The Programme for Government included a commitment to review the operation of the Rent Supplement Scheme in order to achieve better value for money and to address concerns about the increase in households who have been receiving rent supplement in the longer term. A Steering Group was established in May 2011 to undertake this review and progress proposals as to the future operation of the Scheme.
The Steering Group is comprised of officials from my Department, the Departments of Social Protection and Public Expenditure and Reform, the City and County Managers Association, the Housing Agency and the Revenue Commissioners. My Department normally chairs the Steering Group. Since its establishment the Steering Group has met on 14 occasions and has reported four times to Government in relation to progress in developing the proposal.
In March 2012, the Government approved in principle a joint proposal by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Minister for Social Protection to transfer responsibility for recipients of rent supplement with an established long-term housing need from the Department of Social Protection to local (housing) authorities through the establishment of a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). To implement this decision both Ministers will be bringing forward legislation over the coming months to enable the new arrangements to be put in place.
