Some assistance may be on the way for those struggling with the cost of renting.

   The Saskatchewan Government has released its initial response to last month's Housing Affordability Study.

   Social Services Minister, Donna Harpauer, presented the government's plans yesterday and explained the changes will come into affect August 1st.  She says they will increase the shelter rates for all income assistance programs for those living in the province's urban centres.  The changes will also extend to communities falling within the Census Metropolitan areas surrounding Saskatoon and Regina so that rates reflect the actual cost of rent in those communities.

   Harpauer went on to say there will be more changes coming but they wanted to address some of the most urgent concerns immediately.