The Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) is asking that Budget 2021 be centrally focused on improving access to affordable, good quality, secure accommodation for all households. The ICSH is making this proposal in the context of Covid-19 and the unprecedented challenges affecting all aspects of society and the economy, underpinning the need for secure homes for all households.
The pandemic reinforced the reality that without a home people are vulnerable, less safe and less secure. Without a home many of our citizens cannot protect themselves in times of turbulence, such as in a pandemic.
That is why we are calling for an increased social housing budget to ensure the delivery of homes to meet targets already established. Approved Housing Bodies are working hard to keep the pipeline going so that homes can be delivered for families and single people on low incomes, older people, people with disabilities and homeless people.
Among our 15 recommendations, we also seek support to introduce the changes required to reverse the on-balance sheet AHB Classification decision. Every year the Budgetary process presents an opportunity for priorities to be re-set and commitments, such as in the Programme for Government, to be realised.
The ICSH believes that a decent housing system is a cornerstone for a better society and approved housing bodies are a key part of that system.
