The WRC rejected a claimant’s Equal Status complaint alleging discrimination in access to rented accommodation because he received rent supplement and on racial grounds. The decision was dated 23 April 2018. The adjudication officer accepted the respondent’s evidence that the claimant sought €1,500 to withdraw the complaint and concluded that he made it for gain rather than protection.
The claimant said the respondent told him it would not accept rent allowance for the accommodation, and that the respondent had acknowledged being instructed by the property owner to exclude rent allowance applicants. The respondent denied discrimination, said it dealt with many social welfare recipients and had an arrangement with the local council. The claimant denied asking for money to drop the case. The officer found conflicting evidence and considered the respondent’s account more reliable.