Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024
240. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give consideration to reviewing the housing assistance payment and rent supplement on an annual basis to ensure that the subsidy increases match increases in the private rental sector market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7049/24]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment scheme and the Rental Accommodation scheme, administered by the local authorities, are now by far the largest schemes providing rental supports.
The Housing Assistance Payment continues to provide long term housing to those who have verifiable long term housing needs. Policy relating to the Housing Assistance Payment is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Accordingly, the issue of a review in the rent limits is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The number of people availing of Rent Supplement has reduced significantly in recent years. My Department operates a flexible policy on a case-by-case basis that allows for higher rent supplement payments in certain circumstances.
Special arrangements are also in place under the Interim Tenancy Sustainment Protocol and the National Tenancy Sustainment Framework to prevent customers entering homelessness where it was difficult to maintain and/or source available rental properties.
In addition, my Department, in conjunction with Threshold, operates a special protocol in the Dublin, Cork, Kildare, Galway, Meath and Wicklow areas where supply issues are particularly acute. Threshold advise, advocate and intervene on behalf of individuals or families in receipt of rent supplement who are in danger of losing their tenancies.
Additional Needs Payment are also available to assist those who have essential expenses, such as rent deposits, rent in advance and household bills, that they cannot pay from their weekly income.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
