Menu
21/07/2022
Alliance Calls For Urgent Action On Rent Disparities
The Alliance Party has called for urgent action to address the disparity between rent and housing benefit allowance.
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has expressed shock after writing to the Minister for Communities to find the disparity between rent and housing benefit allowance is upwards of £100.
The MLA said: "The reduction in the number of private rentals means those remaining are able to increase the amount they're charging tenants. This is having a major impact on tenants who are already struggling with the soaring cost of living," she said.
"After writing to the Minister For Communities, it has become clear that this is having a huge knock-on effect on those in receipt of the housing benefit award. We're seeing disparities between rent and housing benefit upwards of £100.
"This is completely unacceptable and we need to take action fast, before this problem continues to spiral further out of control.
"People are being pushed deeper into poverty, as they're being forced to use money that they'd otherwise spend on food or to heat their home, just to keep a roof over their head."
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has expressed shock after writing to the Minister for Communities to find the disparity between rent and housing benefit allowance is upwards of £100.
The MLA said: "The reduction in the number of private rentals means those remaining are able to increase the amount they're charging tenants. This is having a major impact on tenants who are already struggling with the soaring cost of living," she said.
"After writing to the Minister For Communities, it has become clear that this is having a huge knock-on effect on those in receipt of the housing benefit award. We're seeing disparities between rent and housing benefit upwards of £100.
"This is completely unacceptable and we need to take action fast, before this problem continues to spiral further out of control.
"People are being pushed deeper into poverty, as they're being forced to use money that they'd otherwise spend on food or to heat their home, just to keep a roof over their head."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 October 2011
Benefit Frauds 'Jailed' For False Claims
Three benefit frauds from across NI have been handed down gaol sentences for defrauding the Government of money to which they were not entitled. James Logue (45) of Main Street, Castlederg was convicted at Strabane Magistrates' court after he claimed Housing Benefit totalling £2,057 by making a false statement of occupation.
Benefit Frauds 'Jailed' For False Claims
Three benefit frauds from across NI have been handed down gaol sentences for defrauding the Government of money to which they were not entitled. James Logue (45) of Main Street, Castlederg was convicted at Strabane Magistrates' court after he claimed Housing Benefit totalling £2,057 by making a false statement of occupation.
14 November 2024
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
21 February 2023
Housing Executive Announces 7% Rent Increase
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has announced a 7% rent increase from 04 April, 2023. This equates to an average increase of £4.86 per week and will bring the average rent for a Housing Executive home to £74.
Housing Executive Announces 7% Rent Increase
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has announced a 7% rent increase from 04 April, 2023. This equates to an average increase of £4.86 per week and will bring the average rent for a Housing Executive home to £74.
01 December 2010
Attwood Launches Rental Guide
The NI Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, has launched a new guide to help combat homelessness - by tackling rent arrears before it happens. The new Rent Collection Guidance is targeted at social housing landlords to encourage better management of debt-related issues, which could otherwise lead to people losing their homes.
Attwood Launches Rental Guide
The NI Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, has launched a new guide to help combat homelessness - by tackling rent arrears before it happens. The new Rent Collection Guidance is targeted at social housing landlords to encourage better management of debt-related issues, which could otherwise lead to people losing their homes.
05 April 2013
NI 'Can't Afford' Bedroom Tax
Changes to housing benefit planned by the UK government will cost Northern Ireland more money than it will save, according to new figures. The new 'Bedroom Tax' is part of the Conservative government's welfare reforms, which seek to save money and help cut Britain's deficit.
NI 'Can't Afford' Bedroom Tax
Changes to housing benefit planned by the UK government will cost Northern Ireland more money than it will save, according to new figures. The new 'Bedroom Tax' is part of the Conservative government's welfare reforms, which seek to save money and help cut Britain's deficit.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
