Increasing rent supplement ‘could cost €86m more a year’

Increasing rent supplements would cost an extra €86m a year and push those on low incomes out of the market, Kevin Humphreys, minister of state at the Department of Social Protection, said.

However, homelessness charities say the Government’s refusal to increase the rent supplement could put hundreds of families out on the street.

One group, Focus Ireland, has indicated that it may seek a High Court injunction to test the legality of the Government’s position.