New report shows lack of properties available within HAP Scheme limits
Summary
Simon Communities of Ireland reports that only 12 properties were available for rent under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme in a recent quarterly study. Executive Director Burr Grogan explains that this scarcity is pushing eligible households into emergency accommodation or hidden homelessness, as the gap between affordable and market rents continues to widen. The discussion also addresses landlord prejudice against HAP tenants and the government's pushback regarding the study's methodology.
Topics discussed
Show introduction
Simon Communities report: 12 HAP properties available
Overview of findings and widening affordability gap
How HAP works and income-based differentials
Eligibility, waiting lists, and loss of social housing spots
Comparison with Rental Accommodation Scheme safeguards
Consequences: homelessness and emergency accommodation
Hidden homelessness and multi-generational living
Landlord perceptions and discrimination against HAP tenants
Rebuttal: HAP tenancies function well despite stigma
Government response and limitations of the study
Closing remarks and show outro
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