Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2014
13. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if her Department has conducted research on the impact the reduction in rent supplement levels has had on the level of homelessness in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47089/14]
View answerThere are approximately 71,800 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €344 million for 2014.
The current rent limits came into effect from June 2013. Unlike the impression given in the question, there were no reductions applied to rent limits at that time. Importantly, rent limits in Dublin and Galway were increased, with Dublin limits increasing by a weighted average of 9%.
The current review of maximum rent limits undertaken by the Department is nearly finalised. In this regard, raising rent limits at this time may not be the solution to the problems in this area as it is likely to add to further rental inflation and could impact, not alone on rent supplement recipients, but also on many lower income workers and students. I am keeping the matter under close review.
The homelessness issue is about more than just funding and accommodation. A collaborative approach including all stakeholders including the government, local authorities, state agencies, voluntary services and the general public is required to address the difficult and complex issues around homelessness.
The Department of Social Protection has put measures in place to ensure that the housing needs of rent supplement customers who are in danger of becoming homeless are being addressed by providing for increased flexibility in the administration of the rent supplement scheme.
A notice reminding all staff, of their statutory discretionary power to award, on a case by case basis, a supplement for rental purposes in exceptional cases for example, when dealing with applicants who are at risk of losing their tenancy was circulated earlier in the year and further instruction has issued this week.
The tenancy sustainment protocol with the Dublin local authorities and voluntary organisations is designed to protect families on rent supplement who are at risk of losing their accommodation from becoming homelessness. The Department has provided support through increasing rent limits for some 240 families since its launch in mid-June.
Staff outside the Dublin region are also increasing rental payments as necessary and are actively engaging with the various organisations involved in homelessness. The Department is reviewing the local arrangements in place throughout the country to strengthen the existing framework to ensure that the necessary supports continue to be provided in a consistent manner.
