Local authorities to be given greater power for Hap top-ups

The Hap scheme has played a vital role in housing eligible people.

Powers to allow local authorities to pay more than 20% above existing rent limits in housing assistance payments are being considered by the Government, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

With just 830 rental properties available across the entire country at present, the Government is under mounting pressure to provide greater flexibility to councils to ensure people do not become homeless because of rising rents.