Rent allowance cutback ‘disgusting’

THE Government pushed ahead yesterday with major cutbacks in the controversial rent allowance scheme — despite warnings that it would lead to widespread homelessness.

The latest cutback means that new people applying for rent allowance will have to rent private accommodation for six months before they qualify for it.

Long-time champion of the homeless, Fr Peter McVerry, warned that this cutback will lead to a major increase in the numbers of homeless people.