Rent supplement increase ‘must be part of an overall package’ to tackle crisis

By Maurice Garvey

THE decision this week by government to increase rent supplement must be part of an overall package to tackle the housing crisis, according to Fianna Fáil TD John Curran.

South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council will see an average 29 per cent increase – allowing people to receive greater assistance from the State if they cannot afford the full cost of private rented accommodation.

Curran, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness, says the measures must be in line with theConfidence and Supply Agreement – an arrangement between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to facilitate a Fine Gael-led minority government.

Deputy Curran said: “Many families are at risk of losing their homes due to rapidly rising rents. That’s why Fianna Fáil put a rent supplement increase in our election manifesto and fought for an increase in rent supplement in the minority Government talks.

“Despite serious Fine Gael opposition we forced through what is a vital measure to help people stay in their homes and prevent more families falling into homelessness.

“The Government’s decision to increase rent supplement limits in major urban areas such as Dublin will help in the short term. Ensuring that the supplement reflects the reality in the market will also help stop the practice of illegal top-ups that are putting families to the pin of their collar.

“It’s also important that laws banning landlords from refusing tenants because they are on rent supplement are fully implemented.”