Vol. 423 No. 5
51 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will clarify the reason for introducing the regulation which cuts the income of people living in rented accommodation on supplementary welfare by £1.50 a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Entitlement to a rent supplement is determined by the Health Board and is calculated so as to leave the client with a disposable income, after payment of rent, equivalent to the rate of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance appropriate to the family size, less £5. This £5 is the minimum contribution which a client is required to pay towards housing costs and it was increased from £3.50 at the end of July 1992. The last increase in this minimum contribution took place in July 1990.
The level of the contribution is increased periodically in line with the increase in social welfare payments. I believe the current contribution to be reasonable given the present level of such payments.
