Brian O'Shea
Question:285 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he has to cap rents in the rental subsidy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6842/99]
Written Answers. - Rental Subsidy Scheme.
The rent payable to the voluntary housing body under the terms of the rental subsidy scheme is income related. The scheme was reviewed in November 1997 when reductions were made in the proportion of household and subsidiary incomes payable in rent and a maximum was applied to the rent payable in respect of subsidiary income. I have no proposals to introduce a maximum to the rent payable in respect of household income. The scheme is, however, being kept under review. In the context of rent payments, under the scheme, household income is the total gross income of the tenant and his or her spouse, if any, or of joint tenants, as the case may be, and subsidiary income is the income of any other person or persons resident in the house.