Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

38. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the steps being taken to review the current level of rent supplement for families in view of the increasing levels of rent being charged by landlords; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48932/14]

Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

39. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide in tabular form the respective levels of rent supplement issued in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48933/14]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.

There are approximately 71,800 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €344 million for 2014. Rent supplement recipient numbers and expenditure since 2010 is provided in the tabular statement. There are currently over 1,500 rent supplement recipients in Westmeath, of which approximately 520, representing nearly 35% of the customer base, were awarded during 2014 while there are over 460 rent supplement recipients in Longford, of which approximately 180 or 39% were awarded this year.

The Department is currently reviewing the maximum rent limits, which will be finalised shortly. I am acutely aware of the difficulties people are experiencing in maintaining affordable rented accommodation in areas of high demand in the current market. However, raising rent limits may not be the solution to the problem as it is likely to add to further rental inflation and could impact, not alone on rent supplement recipients, but also on many lower income workers and students. I am keeping the matter under close review.

Emergency actions are being undertaken in the Department through the increased use of flexibility in relation to the administration of the rent limits, including under the Interim Tenancy Sustainment Protocol operating in Dublin. A notice reminding all Community Welfare Service staff of their statutory discretionary power to award a supplement for rental purposes, for example, when dealing with applicants who are at risk of losing their tenancy was circulated in July 2014 and a further instruction issued last week.

Staff are increasing rent supplement payments as necessary and are actively engaging with the relevant local authorities and local various organisations involved in homelessness. The Department is reviewing the local arrangements in place to strengthen the existing framework to ensure that the necessary supports continue to be provided in a consistent manner.

I advise that where a person in receipt of rent supplement is at risk of losing their tenancy they should make contact with the Tenancy Protection Service provided by Threshold in Dublin on 1800 454 454 or their local Community Welfare Service throughout the country.

Tabular Statement: Rent Supplement End of Year Recipient Numbers & Expenditure: 2010 to Date