Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
324 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider reviewing recent cuts in rent allowance for single persons as it is impossible to rent a property in Carlow for €350 per month. [26329/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people living in private rented accommodation who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently approximately 94,000 persons in receipt of rent supplement, with €436m provided in 2012.
New maximum rent limits came into force on 1 January 2012 and are in place until June 2013. These new limits are in line with the most up to date market data available. The emphasis of the rent limit review was to ensure that maximum value for money for tenants and the taxpayer was achieved whilst at the same time ensuring that people on rent supplement are not priced out of the market for private rented accommodation.
For all counties, major urban population centres were tested as part of the review to ensure that rent supplement applicants can access temporary housing arrangements whilst seeking employment opportunities. Analysis of the Carlow market shows that there are a limited number of rental properties available to single persons in comparison to other larger properties available in the area. However, accommodation is available, including shared accommodation, for single persons within the prescribed limits. Department officials dealing with rent supplement tenants will continue to ensure that their accommodation needs are met and that the residence is reasonably suited to their residential and other needs.
It should be stressed however, that there will be no case of homelessness from this measure. The Department will continue to monitor rent levels throughout the country but at this stage there are no plans to revise the existing rent limits.
