Rent scheme reforms spark fears council housing lists will overflow

NEW proposals to reform the Government's rent supplement scheme last night sparked fears that already overburdened council housing lists would be overwhelmed completely.

Under the plan local councils will progressively assume responsibility for meeting the long-term needs of 19,000 households who have depended on rent supplement for 18 months or longer.

However, Labour social and Family affairs spokesman Willie Penrose said the new rules meant rent supplements would be denied after 18 months at which point local authorities would have to meet any housing needs.

Under the initiative local councils are being encouraged to enter public private partnerships that could be financed, developed and operated on a long term basis exclusively for households designated by local authorities.

“There is no indication in the statement today of any additional funding for public housing programmes,” said Mr Penrose.

“The numbers on Council Housing lists have doubled, up from 26,000 in 1996 to over 60,000 now. Less than 5,000 local authority houses are being built each year.”

Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Coughlan said the new measures would ensure maximum co-ordination of housing policy.

“These new arrangements will put in place positive solutions for people with long-term housing needs,” she said.

A spokesman for the Minister last night denied Labour's claim that housing lists would grow.

Also, in stark contrast to Labour's concerns the move was widely welcomed by charities and community workers.

Rev Sean Healy SMA, CORI Justice Commission, said the initiative “provides a substantial gain for some of Ireland’s most vulnerable people. It will increase the supply of social housing units whether in local authority or elsewhere. It’s a substantial step towards a more integrated approach to housing policy.”