This article is from page 24 of the 2008-01-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
A CHANGING society that sees more single or separated men on the Clare housing list must be reflected in future council budgets.
This is according to Clare County Councillor Brian Meaney (GP), who says that the increase in the number of marriage break-ups sees more and more men looking for accommoda- tion.
“We have a significant number of single men on the register looking for houses due to the breakdown of marriages and relationships,” Coun- cillor Meaney said.
‘These are not priority and this is something the budget of Clare Coun- ty Council is going to have to reflect Ved sCom RU LAU NK ones
The councillor said in many cases the men were required to leave the family home after the break-up and
continue to pay maintenance.
He said while it was only right that they paid maintenance, the financial pressure saw them on the housing list and requiring distance.
This is a growing sector on the list and a group that he has become more aware of in recent times.
Nora Kaye, from Clare County Council’s housing section, said that there are currently 1,/00 people re- corded on the housing list.
This number, however, also makes provision for the number of people receiving rental supplement who are required to be including on the same iS a
“I would say the actual need 1s clos- er to 800,” said Ms Kaye.
She said that while there were no special provisions made for single men, they could apply for housing, rental supplement and other schemes through the council.