Simon warns of increase in homelessness

The Simon Community says the proposed changes to the rental allowance scheme should be put on hold until the Government can guarantee that it won't cause homelessness.

There was no compromise announced in yesterday's Budget to the plans to restrict rental allowance to people who have been paying full rent on a property for over six months.

Spokesperson Noeleen Hartigan wants an assurance from Welfare Minister Mary Coughlan that the plan won't put families on the streets.