The South Western Area Health Board was contacted regarding this case. It advised that the amount of rent supplement was reviewed to take account of a recently born second child.
The amount of supplement paid in respect of March 2004 was incorrectly calculated. The matter was rectified and a cheque for the revised amount plus arrears will issue this week.
The revised amount takes account of the fact that the mother has not received the increase in her one-parent family payment due in respect of her second child. Therefore, a higher rent supplement is being paid. The payment of an additional amount will continue until she receives her full entitlement of one-parent family payment.
The board has advised that the level of rent supplement will be further reviewed when the increase is made in her one-parent family payment in respect of her second child. As a result there will be a reduction in her rent supplement.