Vol. 497 No. 1
11 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will direct the release of serviced building sites to eligible applicants who are first time home seekers with a view to making some impact on the increasing number of these people who cannot achieve affordable housing in the present climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24138/98]
85 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has given instructions for the development of serviced sites by the local authorities for housing purposes to suitable eligible applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24279/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 85 together
It is open to local authorities to utilise existing housing landbanks, or to acquire land, to make housing sites at low cost available for the purposes of assisting persons in housing need to provide their own housing. Such housing may be provided either individually, with the help, if necessary, of the other social housing measures, including shared ownership, local authority house purchase loans and the mortgage allowance, or collectively, through the voluntary housing schemes, special group shared ownership projects or housing co-operatives.
The provision by local authorities of low cost sites, either serviced or unserviced, to people in need of housing is a long standing social housing option. I and my Department regularly encourage local authorities to be creative in their response to the social housing needs of their areas and to avail of the full range of options available to them, including the provision of sites. I regard the provisions of low cost sites by local authorities as an important element in their response to the housing needs of their areas.
Will the Minister of State indicate the number of private service sites awarded by local authorities in the past 12 months? Will he also indicate the percentage of the total number of persons on the housing waiting lists that figure represents?
The Deputy was not present earlier when I said I am not satisfied that adequate use is being made of the various housing options by local authorities and others. Proper use of those options could help us to achieve a much greater housing output. I referred to the low cost housing scheme which I consider to be a valuable instrument and which is not being utilised to the greatest possible extent. This scheme could bring about enormous benefits. It is disappointing that in the last full year — 1997 — for which figures are available, 191 sites were sold by local authorities under the scheme. I instigated a review of this matter and discussions in respect of it are ongoing. I hope to achieve a substantial increase in the local authorities' use of the scheme.
It is open to local authorities, if they wish, to acquire land by agreement or by compulsory purchase order for their housing functions. Loans from the housing finance agency and other sources totalling £3.7 million were authorised this year for the specific purpose of housing land acquisition. Applications from local authorities for loans to acquire lands are readily approved by the Department and I encourage them to make such applications. Local authorities can dispose of land to voluntary and co-operative housing bodies under the low cost housing scheme and, as already stated, the price can be as low as £100 per site. Authorities may reclaim from the Department the original cost of sites so disposed plus interest charges for up to five years and less receipts in respect of the sites. In 1998, £2 million was provided for the low cost sites scheme which represents a substantial increase on the 1997 figure of £857,000. This housing option is not being fully availed of by local authorities and I am anxious to see positive action taken in respect of it.
Is the Minister of State prepared to give a directive to local authorities to release portions of their land banks for the purpose outlined in the original question?
Unfortunately, I have discovered a reluctance on the part of the management of local authorities to increase the holdings in their land banks. The latest figures I obtained from the combined local authorities indicate that in total they hold approximately 4,500 acres. However, the bulk of these lands are not situated in areas of highest demand.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
