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 in respect of March 2004, is due to issue this week.
The revised rent supplement takes account of the fact that the mother has not received an increase in her one-parent family payment that she is due in respect of her second child. As a result a higher rent supplement is being paid. The additional rent supplement 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. It will result in a reduction in the amount of rent supplement payable.