Sinn Féin County Councillor Jack Murray has expressed his concern that Donegal’s low rent limit for those in receipt of rent supplement could force people from their communities.
The new maximum rent limit (the second reduction in 6 months) became effective from 17th June, with landlords told to agree a revised rent by 26th October.
Donegal has one of the lowest maximum rent limits in the state.
Cllr Murray told Donegal Daily: “I have been contacted by many people in Inishowen who have been notified by the social welfare office that the maximum rent limit for the Rent Supplement Scheme has been reduced again.
“They have been advised to negotiate a rent reduction with their landlords or ‘seek alternative accommodation’. This is a lot easier said than done. Many landlords have reduced their rent as far as possible due to earlier reductions in the maximum rent limit.
“Families, especially those with young children, cannot be expected to uproot and move because of a decision made by the Department of Social Welfare in Dublin or Sligo. These decisions have massive consequences for local families and that should be taken into consideration.
“Many of these people are willing to sacrifice other expenditures to pay the extra rent themselves but cannot do so because of department guidelines.
“They are now being encouraged to leave their community to seek cheaper accommodation. Even if they do that, they have no guarantee that the rent limit will not be reduced again.
“This is the result of a wider problem in the county as we have nowhere near enough social housing. We have some 4000 people on the social housing waiting list, yet Donegal received enough money to build 3 houses this year. This creates a climate in which rents cannot be reduced.
“I have spoken to my colleague Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD and we will pursue this issue with the Minister to try and have it resolved. I feel that this decision was taken without any understanding of the consequences it has for so many people and it should be reversed immediately.”
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