Housing Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022

Tuesday, 22 November 2022

Questions (270)

Seán Fleming

Question:

270. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the freehold title to properties arising from the guidance issued by his Department to local authorities in April 2009 on the use of unsold affordable houses still rests with the local authority notwithstanding that these social houses are leased by an approved housing body or private management company; and if the working group appointed to deal with this issue will include tenants who are living in these houses for many years at this stage, in view of the fact that the consultation process dealing with this issue has been designed to include his Department, local authorities, approved housing bodies and the Housing Finance Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57287/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

In 2009 my Department issued guidance to local authorities on the use of unsold affordable properties to provide social housing. The majority of units were leased to approved housing bodies (AHBs); who act as landlords under a service level agreement with the relevant housing authorities. The local authority retains ownership of the units. 

In September 2020, I convened a working group to examine the issues around these units in detail. This working group comprises members of the Local Government Management Agency, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Agency, AHBs through the Irish Council of Social Housing and my Department. The working group is keen to develop a long term solution which works for all parties, including the tenants. Both AHB and local authority representatives have raised tenant related issues with the group. Tenants are welcome to engage with their local authority, AHB or directly with my Department to raise issues in relation to their occupation of these units.