Don't Cut Rent Supplement

December 03, 2009

MakeRoom, the campaign alliance of Focus Ireland, The Simon Communities of Ireland, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and Threshold today have made a final call on the government not to cut rent supplement in next weeks budget.

The homeless charities have warned that any further reductions in this vital safety net will increase the risk of homelessness for many households.

Speaking on behalf of MakeRoom, Director of Threshold Bob Jordan said:

'Rent supplement is a vital safety net for many of our poorest households preventing them from becoming homeless. It also supports people who have experienced homelessness in the past to move on to independent living.

'MakeRoom is calling on the Government not to cut rent supplement in next week's budget. Rent supplement has already been cut twice in the last 14 months. Any further cuts will increase the risk of homelessness for many families.

'There is already growing evidence of families, hard pressed by the recession, who are unable to meet rent payments and falling into rent or mortgage arrears. Further cuts to rent supplement will only make it harder for people to keep up with their rent payments and could lead to more homelessness.' END