Over 5,500 tenancy disputes resolved under new discretionary local authority powers

More than 5,500 tenancy disagreements with landlords over rent supplement have been resolved by authorities this year under new discretionary local authority powers.

Tánaiste Joan Burton has also confirmed that new tax breaks for landlords taking on rent supplement tenants will come into effect in the new year. The combined measures are an attempt to address homelessness and spiralling rents which are forcing families out of their rental properties.

The Fine Gael-Labour Coalition is facing criticism over the housing crisis as figures yesterday showed 1,000 children are homeless at the moment.