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.