Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
361. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the instances where an AHB can purchase housing units for use as social housing; where this policy can be found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21202/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes and 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing in the period 2022-2026. Our clear focus is to increase the stock of social housing through new build projects delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). Social Housing is delivered through a range of local authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) delivery programmes across the build acquisition and lease delivery streams.
Under Housing for All, there is provision for 200 social housing acquisitions each year. However, with increased pressures on housing and the exit of landlords from the market, the Government agreed that there would be increased provision for social housing acquisitions in 2023. This has continued into 2024 and my Department will fund local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies to acquire up to 1,500 social homes this year. The additional acquisitions are primarily focused on properties where a tenant is in receipt of social housing supports and has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property.
Arrangements on social housing acquisitions are issued to local authorities by circular letter. It is a matter for local authorities and AHBs to work in partnership on the correct implementation of circulars.
A copy of all Department circular letters are provided to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
