I propose to take Questions Nos. 564, 578 and 579 together.
Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 36,200 recipients for which the Government has provided €253 million for in 2017.
Information on the number of people under-18 years of age with severe physical disabilities that are living in family homes supported by rent supplement is not maintained.
Under-the-counter ‘top-up’ payments occur where the landlord and tenant understate the actual rent agreed between both parties to secure a rent supplement tenancy. The tenant and landlord must complete the rent supplement application form declaring that the information provided is accurate. It is therefore very difficult for the Department to identify these types of arrangements where both the tenant and landlord have confirmed the information provided.
Rather than increasing rent limits at this time and 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. The Protocol arrangement in place with Threshold continues to operate in the areas where supply issues are particularly acute covering Dublin, Cork, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow and Galway City. Over 1,500 increased payments over the rent limits have been made this year to date.
The provision of flexibility above rent limits is providing a mechanism to address increasing rents, including those in ‘top-up’ payment arrangements. People in these situations are advised that their position can be regularised and that they should contact the Community Welfare Service for assistance.
The continued flexible case-by-case approach together with the recent reforms to the private rental sector, notably the cap in the Rent Pressure Zones, is providing increased certainty and security for rent supplement tenants.
I am continuing to keep these matters under review.