Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 July 2016
233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which her Department continues to monitor the situation in respect of rent supplement with a view to ensuring that everything possible can be done to maximise the impact on the housing situation and homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23070/16]
View answerSupports in relation to housing and the provision of financial supports, including the rent supplement scheme, which is currently supporting some 54,000 recipients at a cost of €267 million in 2016, are a key priority for Government and remain under close review. Increased maximum rent limits under the rent supplement scheme were recently introduced with effect from Friday last, 1 July 2016. This measure fulfils the early implementation of the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment to increase rent limits in line with geographic variations in market rents.
In recognition of the ongoing difficulties in the rented market, my Department continues to implement a targeted, flexible, case-by-case approach where rents may exceed the maximum limits. This ensures that people at risk of homelessness through the loss of their tenancy continue to be supported under the rent supplement scheme. Over 8,800 persons at imminent risk of homelessness were supported through increased payments under the rent supplement scheme.
Financial support is also provided by my Department towards rent deposits under the Exceptional Needs Payments (ENP) scheme. This form of assistance is very important to those on low incomes who rely on the rented market to meet their housing needs. Up to the end June 2016, some 1,170 ENPs have been made towards rent deposits at a cost of over €730,000.
Increased stability for rent supplement households will be provided through a combination of increased rent limits, ongoing flexibility, financial supports under the ENP scheme, together with the advocacy supports provided under Threshold’s Tenancy Protection Service. These measures together with the recent reforms to the private rental sector notably that rent reviews can only take place if it has been 2 years or more since the previous review, should provide for increased certainty and security.
Any person experiencing increased rents or facing the threat of the loss of their tenancy are encouraged to contact the Community Welfare Service responsible for their rent supplement claim. Threshold’s Tenancy Protection Service is also available to people residing in Dublin, Cork, Galway and the commuter areas of Kildare, Meath and Wicklow.
