‘Residents are genuinely frightened’, as Nazareth Village tenants face massive rent increases

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Sligo Councillors have united to condemn the proposed rent increases of up to 176% faced by residents of Nazareth Village with one elected representative saying, “It is very clear they are acting illegally.”

Cllr Gino O’Boyle’s motion called for the Local Authority to “Write to the Minister of State for Older People seeking stronger protections for nursing home residents and families following recent investigations highlighting concerns around vulnerable residents receiving discharge notices after concerns were raised regarding standards of care.”

Speaking to the motion Cllr O’Boyle said, “Many are no longer in a position to fight their own corner.” He revealed, “Some residents were told rents could increase by well over 100%, one resident is facing a rent increase of 176%.”

Cllr O’Boyle insisted, “Older people deserve protections, deserve security and deserve the right to raise concerns about their care, their living, their well-being without fear of repercussions.”

Cllr O’Boyle stressed “Residents are genuinely frightened,” adding that housing, care and dignity are rights that should be afforded to the Nazareth Village residents adding, “We need stronger protection for our nursing home residents. We need commitment from Government that older people will not be abandoned when they need help most.”

A letter from Nazareth Housing Association to a resident stated, “As part of a recent regulatory review, Nazareth Housing Association undertook a detailed assessment of its long term financial sustainability. This review identified the need to fully provide for planned maintenance and lifecycle costs in line with best practice and regulatory expectations.”

The letter continued, “Taking these costs into account, the Association is currently operating at a deficit. Following careful consideration, the management of Nazareth Housing Association has approved an increase in weekly charges to ensure the continued financial sustainability of the Association and the proper upkeep of its housing stock.

“The revised changes will support both day-to-day operating costs and a programme of essential planned maintenance and capital works across the housing association. These works include ongoing roof repairs, replacement of solar panels, and other necessary works to maintain the quality, safety and long-term condition of the accommodation.”

Cllr Declan Bree voiced his support for the motion as he hit out at “The outrageous proposals to raise rents in Nazareth House.”

Cllr Bree expressed the view that, “It is very clear that they are acting illegally.”

Cllr Bree has also written to the Residential Tenancies Board on behalf of the residents saying, “Given the vulnerability of the affected demographic and the sheer scale of the rent increase, I urge the RTB to initiate a formal review or dispute resolution process to pause this increase until its compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act can be thoroughly investigated.”

Cllr Ann Higgins also spoke strongly on behalf of the impacted residents saying, “People should be free to point out if there is an issue. We need to do everything to support our most vulnerable. They are not sleeping, they are physically unwell. How in God’s name are we saying this is ok?”

Cllr Fergal Nealon also expressed, “Great concern for the residents in Nazareth Village,” saying, “The increases are quite startling.”

Cllr Nealon acknowledged, “It could have been communicated better.”

Cllr Thomas Walsh also expressed his sympathy for the residents saying, “The level of increase is of most concern. No doubt their families are very worried. Cllr Bree used the word ‘illegal’, I am sure if that is the case, the RTB will be intervening.”

Cllr Arthur Gibbons also voiced his support for the motion saying, “Nazareth Village was a joint venture at the time between the Borough Council and the HSE. All tenants are old age pensioners. We need to be showing them Sligo County Council is doing something on their behalf.”

Referring to the need for works to be carried out, Cllr Gibbons remarked, “The major problem with the roof should have been fixed a long time ago. Residents think they can’t afford it and will be left homeless.”

Cllr Gibbons also referenced the letter sent to the residents which notes an additional yearly cost of €2,600, asking, “How in the name of God could any caring body impose increases like that?”

The motion was also supported by Cllr Edel McSharry who commented, “To have such an extreme increase doesn’t seem fair.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.