Almost three quarters of housing benefit claimants living in private rental accommodation in West and South Belfast are being charged more than their Housing Benefit allowance.
These figures have come to light following a Freedom of Information request submitted by SDLP Collin candidate Gerard McDonald.
As of 3rd March, within housing benefit workgroup 201 which includes South and West Belfast encompassing Poleglass and Twinbrook, 71.85% of claimants have a shortfall between the rent charged by their landlord and the applicable Local Housing Allowance for the property occupied.
