asked the Minister for Local Government if local authority tenants who have received an increase in the old age pension will have to pay an increased amount of weekly rent to the relevant local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Local Authority Rents.
91.
The detailed operation of rent schemes is a matter for individual local authorities and I have no information as to the effects of variations in incomes on the rents of individual tenants.
The differential rent schemes operated by the Dublin Corporation in respect of dwellings let on or before 1st November, 1970, provide for a rent including a sum for rates up to 1964-65 within specific ranges equivalent to one-sixth of income after deductions. Increases in rates since 1964-65 are payable in addition to the rent so assessed. Dwellings provided since 1st November last are let for a rent, exclusive of any sum for rates, within specific ranges equivalent to one-sixth of income after deductions. Full rates are payable in addition to the rent so assessed.
The deductions under each differential scheme operated by the corporation include increases since 1957 in social welfare non-contributory allowances. Increases under social welfare contributory insurance schemes are not, however, deducted from income basically because these benefits are paid to persons without reference to means. In the case of dwellings first let after 1st November, 1970, a deduction of 25 per cent of benefits paid to a tenant by way of old age contributory pension or widows and orphans contributory pension is made where there is no other household income.