People Receiving Rent Subsidies Are Paying Top Up Rent To Landlords

Thursday, 17 February 2022 14:49

By Caoimhe Harney

The subsidy hasn't been increased in 5 years.

Over a quarter of tenants getting state rent subsidies have to make extra top up payments to private landlords.

The Housing Assistance Payment scheme gives state support to those struggling in the private rented sector.

But there has been criticism that the payment rates are too low, as rent prices have surged in recent years.

Despite surging rents, it hasn’t been increased since 2017.

Department of housing officials say a report on the issue was finally finished before Christmas, and new recommendations are expected shortly.

Paul O’Donoghue reports from the Public Accounts Committee:

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