Written answers

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Department of Social Protection

Rent Supplement Scheme Payments

Photo of Joan CollinsJoan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left)
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29. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views regarding the increasing call from housing and homeless agencies for an immediate increase in rent supplement levels to bring them into line with current market rents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33027/15]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 65,000 people at a cost of €298 million in 2015.

Over 13,700 rent supplement tenancies have been awarded this year, of which almost 4,300 are in Dublin, showing that landlords are accommodating significant numbers under the scheme.

A review of the rent limits undertaken earlier this year found that the impact of increasing limits at a time of constrained supply will increase costs disproportionately for the Exchequer with little or no new housing available to recipients.

Rather than increasing limits at this time rent supplement policy will continue to allow for flexibility where landlords seek rents in excess of current limits. Flexibility is provided under the National Framework for Tenancy Sustainment for both existing customers of the scheme and new applicants. Under this measure tenant’s circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis, and rents are being increased above prescribed limits as appropriate. This flexible approach has assisted approximately 4,000 households throughout the country to retain their rented accommodation. In addition, the Department, in conjunction with Threshold, operates a special Protocol in the Dublin and Cork areas where supply issues are particularly acute, with plans to extend to Galway City.

I can assure the Deputy that the Department, including through its Homeless Persons Unit in Dublin, works closely with local authorities, Government agencies and the voluntary sector in assisting homeless persons to access private rented accommodation.

I am keeping the matter under review.

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