HOUSING ADAPTATION GRANTS SCHEMES CUT BY 80%

THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT’S decision to cut funding for the Housing Adaptation Grants Schemes in Sligo by 80% has been described as “savage and unprecedented” by Independent Socialist councillor Declan Bree.

 “This savage and unprecedented cut in funding will have a devastating effect on the elderly and people with a disability.” Cllr Declan Bree said.

 The funding is provided annually to each Council to cover the cost of three schemes: the Mobility Aids Grants Scheme, the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability, and the Housing Aid for Older Person’s Grant Scheme – all of which are means tested.

 In 2011 the combined funding to Sligo County Council and Borough Council was €1,192,707; last year the combined funding was €1,106,824.  This year the government has reduced the funding to €221,587 – a cut of 80%.

 “These schemes have provided a life-line in the past to many older people and people with disabilities, it has enabled people who have qualified for the grant to fund such items as stair-lifts, walk-in showers, downstairs toilets etc.  The older persons scheme provides funding for items such as leaking roofs, replacement boilers, or re-wiring. 

 “The effect of the cutback will be devastating.  It will mean that the Council will simply have to turn people away in 2013 and inevitably some people will no longer be able to live in their homes.   Instead some may be forced into residential care.

 “What we are talking about here is an outrageous attack on the elderly and disabled.  At a time when the government is bailing out bankers and bondholders to the tune of billions of Euro there can be no excuse for slashing the budget for these important housing schemes.

 “The fact that the Labour Party Minister for Housing, Ms Jan O’Sulivan, is imposing these unprecedented cutbacks speaks volumes about the duplicity and treachery of the modern Labour Party.

 “What the government is doing is penalising the elderly and the disabled – people who have had no hand act or part in bringing about the financial crisis that this country finds itself in.  Yet the same government is rewarding the fat cats, the bankers, the developers and the bondholders who have brought the country to the edge of ruin.  How can Fine Gael and Labour elected representatives justify such decisions?” asked Cllr Bree