Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Social Protection

There are currently approximately 88,000 persons in receipt of rent supplement for which the Government has provided €403 million in 2013.

Revised rent limits are in place since January 2012 and are applicable to all new rent supplement tenancies from this date and existing tenancies on review.   These limits were set after an analysis of the most up to date market data available.   The emphasis of the rent limit review was to ensure that maximum value for money was obtained whilst at the same time ensuring that people on rent supplement are not priced out of the market for good quality private rented accommodation.   The central aim was to ensure availability; the limits do not provide rent supplement tenants with access to all housing in all areas.

Special provisions can be made in exceptional circumstances to exceed the rent limits including, for example, people with disabilities who require specially adapted accommodation or homeless persons.

Approximately 48,700 rent supplement claims were awarded during 2012, showing that accommodation can be secured within the new limits.   Information on the numbers who have secured alternative accommodation is not available.   Department officials dealing with rent supplement will continue to ensure that accommodation needs for recipients can be met.

As part of the rent limit review, all major urban population centres were tested to ensure that rent supplement applicants can access temporary housing arrangements whilst seeking employment opportunities.   Ongoing analysis shows that for Dublin there are properties available within the maximum rent limits for rent supplement recipients.   Over 32,500 persons in receipt of rent supplement reside in Dublin.

Officials in the Department continue to examine the impact of the rent limits on those who claim rent supplement.   The next review of rent limits will take place before June 2013 and any changes to the existing limits will be considered as part of this review.