The Minister of People Empowerment and Elders Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, reports rent payment to welfare clients up by 80 percent.

He was speaking at a news brief at the start of a stakeholders forum on homelessness in Barbados.

Mr. Humphrey indicated that there has been a significant increase in people needing help with finding or paying for somewhere to live.

Mr. Humphrey said that government is currently paying rent for 300 families.

He says that people seeking welfare assistance has doubled.

Minister of people empowerment and elders affairs, Kirk Humphrey.