Simon Community disappointed with Budget

The Simon Communities of Ireland has expressed their disappointment that the Government did not prioritise social housing in this year’s budget.

Three actions, which would have made a serious impact on homelessness according to Simon, were an increase in social housing expenditure, an increase in the caps on Capital Assistance Scheme housing and the introduction of a revenue stream to support formerly homeless people in their own homes. There was no progress on these items.

“We are disappointed that housing and homelessness was not a priority for Government in today’s Budget ” said Noeleen Hartigan, Social Policy and Research Coordinator.

“We trust that when the review of the Government’s Strategy on homelessness is published in January a commitment to shift fiscal policy towards homeless prevention and long term housing solutions will be made.”