Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Broughan needs to go back and check his figures.

Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 68,000 people at an annual cost of €298 million. Over 5,600 claims have been awarded in 2015, of which almost 1,600 are in Dublin.

In response to the current market difficulties, the Department has implemented preventative measures under rent supplement to provide for flexibility in assessing customers' individual accommodation needs through the National Tenancy Sustainment Framework. The framework applies both to existing rent supplement customers and also to new applicants who qualify for the scheme. Under this approach, tenants' circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis and rents are being increased above prescribed limits throughout the country as appropriate. Notices have issued to community welfare service staff, twice within the past 12 month period, reminding them of their discretionary power to award a supplement for rental purposes. The Department is also working with Threshold's tenancy sustainment service in Dublin and Cork city where supply is most acute.

This flexible approach has already assisted over 2,100 rent supplement households nationwide to retain their rented accommodation through the payment of increased rent payments. A divisional breakdown of this figure is provided in the following tabular statement. Statistics are not maintained regarding the total number of applications made for increased payments or their outcome. However, where community welfare service staff are notified of a potential threat of tenancy loss due to rising rents, flexibility is provided where the uplift request is reasonable and in line with local rents for similar properties.

The Department has also undertaken a communications campaign which seeks to encourage tenants at risk to contact the Department or the Threshold tenancy protection service as early as possible.

I can assure the Deputy that I am keeping the Department's response under review to ensure that the necessary supports continue to be provided.

Increased Rental Payments by Division – 15 June 2015

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