Focus Ireland: Increase rent supplement limit

Focus Ireland: Increase rent supplement limit

Focus Ireland has called for a review of rent limits for rent supplements to ensure vulnerable people are not “disproportionately bearing the brunt of the economic fall-out”.

This comes as the maximum rent limits for rent supplement were last amended in 2016. Rents have continued to rise in the five years since then.

Director of Advocacy Mike Allen said: “Changes to the rent supplement scheme, including greater use of flexibility, have been vital in keeping renters in their homes during the pandemic.

“Disruption from Covid restrictions continues to affect many workers in 2021 and will continue to do so in 2022, as some industries continue to feel the sharp economic effects of the pandemic. This loss of employment, together with the deepening housing crisis, mean that many renters continue to face a serious risk of homelessness. Sustained Government supports is necessary to prevent a further rise in homelessness.”

He added that in repairing the damage done due to the pandemic, “we must avoid the risk of some sections of society disproportionately bearing the brunt of the economic fall-out”.