Simon Community research has discovered that just 3.7% of available properties are within rent supplement or Housing Assistance Payment limits over four categories
The majority of homes for rent are too expensive for people who rely on State housing benefits, a new study revealed.
Simon Community research has discovered that just 3.7% of available properties are within rent supplement or Housing Assistance Payment limits over four categories.
And the snapshot survey by the charity found just 55 out of the 1,491 properties in 16 areas were affordable for those receiving standard HAP.
During the study, which was carried out from July 30 to August 2, a further 469 (31.5%) were found to be within Housing Assistance Payment discretion limits.
Simon Community spokesman Wayne Stanley said: “We are now at a point where it is becoming startlingly obvious the Government’s Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness is not driving the level of change in our housing system that is required.
“The structural foundation of housing provision in Ireland is not fit for purpose.” HAP is a type of rental benefit payment to provide assistance to lower-income people and
families.
Under the scheme, a tenant’s primary rent is paid directly to a landlord, while the person renting pays a different rent to their local council. The average cost of renting in Dublin was €1,713 a month between April and June this year – a €114 increase compared with the same quarterly period last year.
However, the city council’s limit for standard HAP in the capital is €1,300 for a family four – with the local authority having a 20% discretion to go higher than that.
The report also reveals single people and couples were worst affected by availability, with just four properties nationwide available to rent in those categories. Mr Stanley added: “Every day the Simon Communities in Ireland and others, are ending homelessness for individuals and families.
“However, the shortage of housing is driving more people into homelessness. We believe that a well-functioning, Government-led cost rental system is a key requirement in solving the housing crisis in Ireland.
“In the interim, low income families and individuals must be given the chance to find a home. In Budget 2020, we are calling for an increase in Rent Supplement and Housing Assistance Payment rates to ensure they are kept in line with market rents.”
Meanwhile, the report found no properties were available to rent within standard or discretionary HAP limits across eight study areas for a single person or couple.
These areas were Limerick city centre, Limerick city suburbs, Waterford city centre, Portlaoise, Sligo town, Galway city centre, Cork city suburbs and Athlone.
The study was extended to five new areas for the first time – Dublin city north, Dublin city south, Limerick city suburbs, Galway city suburbs and Cork city suburbs.
Source: irishmirror
