Action needed to tackle high rents
Labour TD Duncan Smith has said today’s Tasc report on Household Debt in Ireland highlights the financial burden faced by many within the private rental sector.
Deputy Smith said:
“This report highlights how many renters are struggling to pay for the basics, such as heating costs and other utilities.
“The research found that renters are nearly four times more likely to go without heating due to a lack of money than home owners, while just under 30 per cent have fallen behind on utility bills.
“Another one in three renters who are in debt, are overburdened by debt repayment, according to Tasc.
“The simple fact remains that rents here are too high and unaffordable for the vast majority of people.
“The key to resolving the housing and homelessness crisis is for the State to start building social and affordable homes on a large scale, on public land.
“In the meantime however, we have to take immediate steps to halt rent rises until enough homes have been built, through a national rent freeze.
“It is imperative that the next Government prioritises housing and takes action straight away to deal with this crisis.”