Wicklow pensioner 'anxious' after council doubles rent

Ann Dolan, a 73-year-old pensioner living in Hazelwood, Bray, Wicklow, is deeply anxious after the local council announced that her rent would double from around €200 to €400 per month. This pensioner, who has lived in the same council estate for 50 years and raised three children, expressed shock at the sudden increase, stating that she cannot afford such a large rise.

She reminisced about her younger years when she faced similar financial struggles but emphasized that she should not have to go through it again at this age. Wicklow County Council explained that the rent increase is part of its agreements, requiring tenants to inform them of any changes in their financial or family circumstances.

The council claimed it was the first review since 2019 and acknowledged that some tenants would face significant changes due to the merging of two separate rent schemes in the county. The new rents are set to take effect next month, leaving Ms. Dolan and her partner feeling anxious about how they will make up the extra money needed.

Fellow resident Jennifer Doyle, who also faces a doubling of her rent, echoed Ms. Dolan's sentiments, expressing disbelief at the scale of the increase and questioning how ordinary working individuals can afford such drastic hikes in a time of economic crisis. Both residents emphasized that while they are paying mortgage-like prices, they are not as privileged as homeowners who own their residences.

Wicklow County Council stated that rents are based on the ability to pay, with lower-income households receiving lower rents, but local councillors and representatives have criticized the scale of the increases as disproportionate, given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.