Council rent review on the way

“There’s no point in us looking for the Minister to be easier on people for the medical cards, if we’re going to screw the last penny out of pensioners.”

So said Cllr Jerry Lodge at last week’s Portlaoise Town Council meeting, during a discussion raised by Cllr Willie Aird’s motion to call on Laois County Council not to impose rent increases on those already in hardship.

Cllr Lodge was referring to an earlier motion which called on the Minister for Health not to take away people’s medical cards. Cllr Lodge said there was no point in appealing to the Minister on this issue if the council were just going to raise people’s rent.

The meeting heard from town manager, Mr Michael Rainey that a rent review is on the way and people will be asked to update the council on their circumstances. This may result in a rent increase, but Mr Rainey said people can appeal this and all appeals will be considered.