Browne must publish HAP review as 72.4% of tenancies rely on top-ups
Browne must publish HAP review as 72.4% of tenancies rely on top-ups - The Labour Party
- Almost three quarters of HAP tenancies nationwide receive a discretionary top-up, according to Parliamentary reply to my office.
- Minister Browne to publish the HAP rent limits review
Labour housing spokesperson Deputy Conor Sheehan today called on Housing Minister James Browne to publish the review of Housing Assistance Payment rent limits and set a date to raise them. A new parliamentary reply to Deputy Sheehan shows that 72.4% of HAP tenancies nationwide receive a discretionary top-up.
Deputy Sheehan said:
“When almost three in four HAP tenancies need a discretionary top-up, the HAP limits must be urgently reviewed. What was meant to give councils some flexibility has become the way they keep most HAP tenancies within reach.
”Government is pouring public money into subsidising private rents because it has failed to provide enough social and affordable homes. The State pays towards the rent month after month. Over the long-term, the State must move away from supports like HAP and invest in permanent social and affordable housing.
“HAP was originally a temporary measure, but due to the State’s failure to invest in housing, it has become the default, not an exception. It is unacceptable and not sustainable.
“Minister Browne must publish the HAP rent limits review immediately, raise the limits to reflect the rents households actually face and give councils a date for bringing the new rates into effect.”