asked the Minister for the Environment if he is prepared to initiate discussions with the building societies to encourage them by way of Government policy and the necessary legislative changes into the field of housing associations and co-operatives to cater for that sector of the housing market which does not choose either to be housed by a local authority or to purchase individually a house on its own.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Housing Associations and Co-operatives.
228.
I would welcome increased involvement by building societies in the field of voluntary housing bodies and housing co-operatives. My Department have, in fact, discussed this matter both with building society and housing co-operative representatives and I understand from representatives of such co-operatives that the number of building society loans advanced to co-operative members has increased. I also understand that the National Association of Building Co-operatives have identified a number of matters which, in their view, could improve the way in which the building societies deal with housing co-operatives. These matters might, I feel, be discussed between the association and the societies in the first instance but I would, of course, welcome consultation with both parties if, as a result of their discussions, changes in existing legislation were thought necessary.
I am anxious to promote the development of the housing co-operative movement and the National Association of Building Co-operatives are, in fact, grant-aided by my Department. Under the Housing Finance Agency scheme members of housing co-operatives are treated as special category applicants and, as such, are entitled to loans of up to £27,000, instead of the normal maximum of £22,500.