Rent Supplement limits unrealistic as rents rise – Ellis

April 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment

April 11, 2013

Sinn Fein Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has blasted the Minister for Social Protection for setting unrealistic limits for rent supplement. He made his comments as it was announced by the CSO that residential rents have increased 3% in the past year.

Deputy Ellis said;

“In Budget 2012 Minister Burton increased the contribution for tenants on Rent Supplement by 25%. These are people who were already struggling to make ends meet and have nothing more to give. The move put many at risk of homelessness and undoubtedly forced many out of their homes also.

“Now the people on Rent Supplement are being sent letters telling them that their rent is too high and that they must get it lowered. They are told to renegotiate or find new accommodation.

“Is the Minister living on a different planet? Rents have continually gone up as this government refuses to deliver housing.

“Rents have risen 3% in the last year. Landlords have their pick of tenants and can ask what they want for their properties. The ordinary tenant has no power or ability to drive a lowering of rents.

“Minister Burton must change how Rent Supplement is administered so that the department negotiates rents with landlords and drive a better deal for tenants and the public purse.

“Penalising the poorest tenants in the country for high rents is not acceptable in the short term though and limits must be revised to address the reality of rents on the ground.”

ENDS

Filed Under: Housing

Proposed taxi regulations disregard Good Friday Agreement – Ellis

April 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment

April 10, 2013

Sinn Fein Transport spokesperson Dessie Ellis has today renewed his call for proposed legislation on taxi regulation to be amended in order to prevent discrimination against former political prisoners.

Deputy Ellise made his call on the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement which in part sought to help former prisoners of the conflict to get and hold on to employment opportunities.

Deputy Ellis said;

“Many former republican and loyalist prisoners covered under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement are currently taxi drivers. Most have never had any trouble in this job and are hard workers who provide an important service.

“New legislation proposed by Minister Alan Kelly would mean these drivers would have their livelihood put at risk as they could potentially be barred or suspended from operating their taxi. These drivers are already struggling in the harsh economic climate to put food on the table and a roof over their families’ heads.

“These proposals are totally against the spirit of an international agreement this state signed up to, which was ratified by the people.

“I have raised this with Minister Kelly but he refuses to deal with the issue. He has a responsibility to legislate with the spirit of the agreement in mind. I call on him to reconsider and make the relevant amendments.”

ENDS

Filed Under: Transport