Higher rent support for those on assistance scheme in Cork

City officials have been given discretion to make higher rent support payments to people in private rented accommodation who are availing of a government scheme introduced in Cork City during the summer.

The city’s head of housing, Valerie O’Sullivan, confirmed last night that following the introduction of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme in Cork in June, her department undertook an extensive data gathering exercise to demonstrate the challenges which were posed by the scheme’s payment cap levels.

And following talks with the Department of the Environment, Ms O’Sullivan, said it has now sanctioned legislative changes to the scheme.

The move effectively gives city officials who administer the HAP scheme more discretion to make higher rent support payments, up to increased cap levels, to people participating in the HAP scheme.

Ms O’Sullivan described it as a very positive move.

“This means we are now in a position to provide support up to the levels for those who need it, subject to the household providing proof of the applicable rent,” she said.

AAA Cllr Mick Barry gave the changes a cautious welcome but questioned how long the scheme would last.

“It is a positive development which will be welcomed by people trying to get a roof over their head, and who were in a precarious position up to now,” he said.

HAP was piloted in Limerick before being rolled out to selected local authorities last year. It is designed to eventually replace long-term rent supplement.