Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2023
156. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide statistics in relation to the numbers of applications for rent supplement received in the Dublin central rents unit in the past 12 months; the number of rent supplement reviews that have been conducted in the same period, and the processing times for both (details supplied). [11741/23]
View answer157. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the staffing and administrative changes made within the Dublin central rents unit over the past 12 months, including the numbers employed in the unit; the changes that have been made to the administrative end of the rent supplement application process; and if she will provide details of how applications are now being processed. [11742/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.
Rent Supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
The responsibility for the provision of rent support to those with a long-term housing need lies with the local authorities. Persons with a long-term housing need should contact their local authority where information is available regarding suitable housing supports including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
In September 2022, the former Dublin Central Rents Unit based in Cork Street was expanded to include Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) and support staff situated in locations across the country and Rent Supplement claim processing nationwide was consolidated into the National Rent Supplement Section (NRSS). The NRSS currently has 41 (39.2 WTE) staff , virtually across the country.
|
Rents in Payment |
Jan-22 |
Aug-22 |
Dec-22 |
|
Dublin Central Rents Unit |
3,609 |
2,680 |
- |
|
National Rent Support Section (NRSS) |
- |
- |
10,548 |
As at 26/2/2023 there were 9,757 RS claims in payment.
Staff in my Department are engaged with customers throughout the entire life cycle of their claim, including regular reviews for all schemes on an ongoing basis. A person’s entitlement to a social welfare payment is reviewed to ensure that they continue to satisfy the conditions of the scheme. A person’s means may also be reviewed from time to time. A customer may also request a review of their means in the light of changed circumstances at any time.
Prior to the establishment of the NRSS, the Dublin Central Rents Unit undertook some 2000 rent reviews during the period 01/01/2022 to 09/09/2022. In the remainder of the year to 31/12/2022 over 700 rent reviews were conducted by the NRSS.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
