'A victory for carers': Major change to Kilkenny council rents

A new differential rent scheme has been adopted by Kilkenny County Council, with one of the most significant changes being a decision to disregard 50% of Carer’s Allowance when calculating rents for local authority tenants.

The new scheme was approved by elected members at the council’s most recent plenary meeting on October 19, with a commencement date to be determined by the council’s Chief Executive.

The revised scheme also introduces new rent calculation bands, changes to how pensioners' rents are assessed and a wider range of income disregards.

Under the new system, rent calculations will be based on four assessable weekly income bands, with rates ranging from 15% for income up to €100 to 22.5% for income exceeding €300.

The minimum rent will also be linked to the maximum rate of the non-contributory State Pension, while no maximum rent ceiling will apply.

Other payments excluded from rent assessments include Child Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, the Carer’s Support Grant, student grants, certain training allowances and once-off exceptional social welfare payments.

The scheme also provides for reduced rents in exceptional hardship cases, subject to certain conditions, including engagement with the Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

Tenants will be required to notify the council of changes in household income within four weeks, with penalties applying where increases are not reported.

However, it is the decision to disregard half of Carer’s Allowance that has been particularly welcomed by Cllr Maria Dollard, who led the campaign to include the measure.

She described the change as a “significant and long-overdue recognition of the vital role played by carers.”

Back in March 2025, Cllr Dollard brought a motion before Kilkenny County Council calling for fairer treatment of carers under the differential rent system.

The motion was unanimously supported by councillors, with the council subsequently undertaking a review of its rent scheme.

Cllr Dollard said she was delighted that the concerns raised by carers had resulted in meaningful change.

“I am absolutely delighted to see this change come into effect,” she explained.

“This is exactly why it is important for councillors to listen to people, bring their concerns to the council chamber and keep pushing until we see action.

“I brought this motion forward in March 2025 because carers were telling me that they were effectively being penalised for receiving Carer’s Allowance. That was simply not fair.

“Carer’s Allowance is intended to support people who are providing essential care to a loved one, often 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“To have that support then result in an increased local authority rent placed an additional burden on families who are already under financial and emotional pressure.”

Under the differential rent system, local authority tenants pay rent based on their assessable household income.

The 50% disregard could reduce weekly rents for affected households, easing financial pressures on families already managing significant caring responsibilities.

Cllr Dollard said the decision demonstrated the importance of local representatives advocating for issues directly affecting their communities.

“This is a very welcome decision and, importantly, it shows that raising these issues can make a real difference.

“Nobody should be financially worse off because they have stepped up to care for a parent, a child, a partner or another loved one.

“Carers make an enormous contribution to families, communities and the State, and they deserve proper recognition and support.”

Cllr Dollard also acknowledged the important role played by Family Carers Ireland Kilkenny in highlighting the unfairness experienced by carers and bringing their concerns to public attention.

“There is still more to do to support carers, particularly at a time when the cost of living remains a major concern for many families.

“I want to thank Family Carers Ireland Kilkenny for highlighting the unfairness family carers were facing. Their voices matter, and this decision is a good example of what can be achieved when we listen and act.”