Reverse approach to social housing needed, says SVP

An over-reliance on rent supplement and housing assistance payments to low-income families is not a lasting solution to the housing and homelessness crisis, the St Vincent De Paul (SVP) has said.

At the announcement of its pre-budget submission, SVP said the approach to social housing must be entirely reversed.

The Social Housing Strategy 2020 was compiled by former environment minister Alan Kelly and outlined that 70% of social housing needs should be met through rent supplement and housing assistance payments to those renting in the private market. Local authority social housing units would then meet the remaining 30% of demand.