RIGA, Oct 14 (LETA) - Riga City Council in the first nine months has allocated EUR 8.3 million in housing benefits which is by EUR 3.6 million or 77 percent  more than in the same period last year, LETA learned from the Riga City Council representative Martins Vilemsons.

The number of recipients of housing benefits has increased to 12,670 people, which is by 4,748 people or 60 percent more than last year. Compared to last September, the number of recipients has increased by 80 percent and the sum paid in housing benefits has increased by 84 percent.

Increase of demand for benefits can be explained with the steep rise in utilities costs, the local government noted.

The Riga local council reminds that every resident with Rigas as the registered place of residence has the rights to apply for housing benefits if after payment for rent, housing management and other utilities, less than EUR 327 a left for other expenses for the first and only person in the family and EUR 228 for every next person in the family a month. Before granting the housing benefits, the Riga Social Service assesses the material situation of the family.