‘Denial of rent supplement is making independent living impossible for people with disabilities’ housing federation claims
3rd October 2013
People with disabilities are being denied access to rent supplement by the Department of Social Protection which is affecting their ability to live independently in the community. The Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH), the national representative federation for non-profit housing associations, has today expressed its frustration in trying to resolve the impasse between Government departments and the reluctance by the State to address this widespread and growing practice across the country.
Rent supplement is being denied or reduced amounts offered to persons with disabilities,who are tenants of housing associations in supported housing projects,(with as few as three tenants sharing accommodation), which are being incorrectly deemed as “institutions” instead of supported community housing. Mr Donal McManus, Executive Director of the ICSH, spoke out strongly about this practice stating ‘These housing schemes are specifically designed and built for the housing needs of people with intellectual disabilities to enable them to live independent lives in community settings, with the necessary care and support, much needed housing is being left unoccupied at a time of unprecedented housing need. This practice needs to stop, it is inexcusable’.
He added ‘Defining group homes and shared accommodation in the voluntary housing sector as institutions is incorrect and completely at odds with how these schemes were funded by the Department of the Environment, as well as the national disability strategy which specifically supports special needs individuals becoming tenants, having been approved by the local authorities to live in supported housing within the community’.
The tenants, most of whom have an intellectual disability, and the non-profit housing associations, have faced a legal and bureaucratic maze in trying to get Government Departments together to resolve this issue. Mr McManus concluded ‘there is huge concern from tenants and their families who are worried for their future housing and it is now imperative that there is a joined up Government response to resolve these issues for vulnerable tenants without delay. The problem has dragged on for over 5 years’.
ENDS/
For further information contact Donal McManus or Karen Murphy on 01 6618334.
Website: www.icsh.ie or follow us on twitter @icsh_ie
Notes for Editors/
- The Irish Council for Social Housing is the National Federation of social housing organisations with up to 300 housing associations affiliated nationwide.
- Housing Associations now provide over 27,000 homes for families, older people, homeless people and people with disabilities.
