There are approximately 70,700 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €298 million for 2015.
I am acutely aware of the difficulties people are experiencing in maintaining affordable rented accommodation in areas of high demand in the current private rented market in Dublin and surrounding commuter counties. The Department’s response to the current difficulties remains under close review and measures have been put in place to ensure that the housing needs of rent supplement customers who are at risk of homelessness are supported.
The policy response provides for increased flexibility within the administration of the rent supplement scheme. Notices were circulated to all Community Welfare Service staff reminding them of their discretionary power to award, on a case by case basis, a supplement for rental purposes in cases of threatened homelessness in July and December 2014. A National Framework has also been developed to ensure that appropriate supports continue to be provided throughout the country in a consistent manner.
The Interim Tenancy Sustainment Protocol, introduced in the Dublin region during 2014, has assisted approximately 380 families to date through increased rental payments and has recently being extended to include single persons and couples. The Protocol was also extended to Cork city in January 2015.
As outlined in the Action Plan to address homelessness, my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has committed to meet with the various stakeholders, including the financial institutions, to discuss what measures can be taken with regard to encumbered “Buy to Let” properties and those in receivership.
