The Department of Social Protection is being called on to remove all financial penalties that would prevent old age pensioners, including those that live alone, from sharing their home with persons in need of accommodation.
Manorhamilton Independent Councillor Felim Gurn says this would address the urgent housing shortages in the country, and reduce isolation, loneliness, and safety concerns for the older population.
Currently an old person living alone and partaking of the fair deal scheme will lose their living alone allowances, if they allow another person to use a room in their homes.
Councillor Gurn says the criteria needs to change:
