asked the Minister for the Environment if, in respect of the 1988 tenant purchase scheme he will outline the method whereby market value is assessed for local authority dwellings; if tenants applying to purchase their houses under the 1988 scheme will be able to get an independent valuation of their home if they are dissatisfied with the assessment of market value by the local authority or his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tenant Purchase Scheme.
143.
The assessment of market value under the tenant purchase scheme is a matter for the local authority concerned. Tenants who dispute an authority's valuation may obtain an independent opinion for submission to the local authority to be taken into account by them in reaching their final decision in the matter.
144.
asked the Minister for the Environment if a tenant of a local authority purchases his/her house under the 1988 tenant purchase scheme and subsequently sells it, if the local authority or his Department will request any clawback on the capital gain.
145.
asked the Minister for the Environment if a tenant opts to purchase his/her house under the 1988 tenant purchase scheme if there is a time clause in which he may sell the house on the open market.
146.
asked the Minister for the Environment if a tenant of a local authority purchases his/her house under the 1988 tenant purchase scheme and subsequently finds that they may have to emigrate to get work if that tenant purchaser can rent the house while he is out of the country.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144, 145 and 146 together.
Under the 1988 tenant purchase scheme, as under previous schemes, the resale of purchased dwellings is allowed, subject to the consent of the local authority being obtained to any sale within 25 years of the date of transfer. There will be no clawback on any such sales.
The consent of the relevant authority is also required to the use of a purchased dwelling within 25 years of the date of transfer, other than as the normal place of residence of the purchaser or his family.