Vol. 467 No. 2
110 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself with the rate of progress in the implementation of the shared ownership and improvement in lieu of housing schemes; the reason for the variation between local authorities in the success of these schemes; the plans, if any, he has to amend these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13017/96]
I am generally satisfied with the progress made under the various social housing measures, including the shared ownership system and the scheme of improvement works in lieu of local authority housing. Variations between authorities in the level of activity under individual schemes are to be expected; these reflect such factors as variations in housing needs presented to local authorities, the suitability of individual schemes as a response to these particular needs of different areas, the circumstances of housing applicants, and the level of promotion by authorities of different schemes. I continue to exhort all authorities to promote the various schemes to their full potential in response to the housing needs of their area.
The policy document, Social Housing — The Way Ahead, published last year, contained a detailed review of the social housing schemes, including the shared ownership and the improvement works in lieu of local authority housing schemes, and introduced changes in the schemes to make them more effective in meeting needs. I have no proposals at this stage to further amend the terms of the schemes.
