Niamh Smyth
Question:238. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the proposed changes to the way rent allowance is being paid (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38655/16]
View answerTuesday, 6 December 2016
Questions (238)
Written answers
Rent supplement is currently supporting approximately 49,700 tenants at a total cost of €267 million this year. The strategic policy direction of my Department is to return rent supplement to its original purpose of being a short-term income support scheme. Under the new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), responsibility for the provision of rental assistance to those with a long-term housing need will transfer to local authorities, under the auspices of the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (DHPCLG).
From 1st December 2016, the HAP scheme is now operational in 28 of the 31 local authority areas, having commenced on a statutory basis in nine further local authority areas; Cavan, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow. It is expected that HAP will be fully rolled out to the remaining Dublin areas from 1 March 2017.
In local authority areas where HAP is in place, new applicants assessed as requiring social housing support will be considered for HAP rather than rent supplement. Under HAP the local authority pays the rent directly to the landlord and the HAP recipient will then pay a rent contribution to the local authority. The rent contribution is a differential rent, which is set by the local authority based on income and the ability to pay.
DSP will continue to provide rental support, under the rent supplement scheme, to those with a short-term need, generally because of a temporary loss of employment.
The implementation of the HAP is a key Government priority and a major pillar of the Social Housing Strategy 2020 and the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness – Rebuilding Ireland – which has committed to an accelerated target of 15,000 HAP tenancies in 2017. The Department is fully engaged in the development of HAP and officials in my Department work closely with colleagues in DECLG and the local authorities to ensure the successful implementation of the scheme.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.