Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:125 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the total sum paid in rent allowances in 1999. [9385/00]
Written Answers. - Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme a total of £101 million was spent on rent supplements in 1999.
Richard Bruton
Question:126 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the plans, if any, he has to make funds available so that the rental ceilings of £600 to £700 per month for supplementary welfare allowance can be raised in Dublin in view of the fact rental charges rarely come within these limits in any of the suburban areas. [9387/00]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of rent to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs.
The purpose of rent supplements is to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible persons living in private rented accommodation who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source. Rent supplements are normally calculated to ensure that the person, after the payment of rent has an income equal to the SWA basic weekly payment rate, less £6. This £6 represents the minimum contribution which recipients are required to pay from their own resources.
Each health board is required to set reasonable maximum rent levels for various household types as a basis for calculating the maximum amount of rent supplement payable in each area under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The limits are set using local knowledge as to what constitutes a reasonable rent for private rented accommodation for various household types within and across the health board area. The limits take into account information received from local auctioneers and letting agents regarding average rents charged in the area.
These maximum rent levels are reviewed regularly by the health boards to take account of the actual fluctuations in accommodation costs observed in each area. When accommodation is no longer available within these limits, rent levels are reviewed and revised upwards, at the initiative of the health boards, in the light of their experience in dealing with claims for rent supplement.
The Eastern Regional Health Authority revised their rent levels, with effect from 1 January 2000. The maximum rent level for a couple or lone parent with one child was raised from £476 per month to £600 per month. The maximum rent level for similar families with two or more children living in a three bedroomed house is set at £700 per month. Families with more children requiring 4 or more bedrooms for their family size will have an individual rate set for their particular circumstances.
All the health boards must also satisfy themselves that accommodation is generally available within the limits which they set. If any tenant is experiencing difficulties, the health boards have discretion to award a supplement based on an amount of rent which exceeds the maximum level set where there are extenuating medical or social circumstances having regard to the applicant's means and all the other requirements of the legislation.