Vol. 491 No. 3
323 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, in relation to assessing rent for tenants on rental subsidy schemes, the figure on which the rent is assessed is the gross income figure as per the P60 of the previous year less bonus, overtime, shift rate and other lump sum payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11640/98]
324 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if there is a maximum rent for tenants under rental subsidy schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11641/98]
325 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if voluntary housing agencies are entitled to charge an administration fee as part of the rent for those housed under rental subsidy schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11642/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 323, 324 and 325 together.
I refer to my reply to Question No. 519 of 21 April 1998 which gives details of rents payable under the rental subsidy scheme which is administered by local authorities in their areas. Under the scheme, the rent payable to an approved body by a tenant of a house qualifying for subsidy is based on household and subsidiary income in the tax year preceding the subsidy year. Household income for the purposes of the scheme is the total income of the tenant and his-her spouse — if any — or of joint tenants, as the case may be, and does not exclude bonus, overtime, shift rate and other lump sum payments. There is no maximum on the rent payable on household income. However, the contribution to the rent by each subsidiary earner is subject to a maximum of £20 per week. Approved voluntary bodies are responsible for the maintenance and management of their houses and the terms of the scheme do not preclude a separate administration charge by a body.
