Vol. 505 No. 6
18 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, in place to assist housing authorities to ensure there is a mix of social and private housing in new housing developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14441/99]
The issue of social integration and mixed tenure developments has been an important objective of housing policy for a number of years. The instruments used by the Department and local authorities in implementing this policy include the provision of infill local authority housing, voluntary housing and the direct provision of shared ownership housing. I also envisage the new affordable housing scheme will have an important role to play regarding mixed tenure housing developments.
The issue of how the planning code can facilitate the provision of a suitable mix of housing types and the provision of social and affordable housing is an issue being considered as part of my review of the planning code. My proposals in this regard will be contained in the major Bill to reform and consolidate planning law which I aim to publish in June.
Will the Minister confirm that, as matters stand, the greatest impetus for a mixture of social and private housing comes in the cases where private developers want to invest in large speculative developments and allocate a part of the area for which they have control to the local authority for local authority housing as an inducement to the local authority to grant them planning permission?
I do not agree it comprises the largest part but it arises in different areas. The social housing policy operated by the Department under this and previous Governments is delivered through infill local authority housing, voluntary housing, the provision of shared ownership housing and new affordable housing. Social housing policy is generally delivered by Governments and by local authorities, although an element is also be delivered by the private sector.
Does the Minister agree that voluntary housing contributed 480 starts last year, the lowest figure for five years? Does he also agree that schemes which local authorities operated previously, known as privates sites schemes, were the largest contributor to social integration in housing? Does the Minister have any plans to encourage local authorities to return to that in the manner of Wexford County Council, for example?
The Department has encouraged and will continue to encourage the development of a good mix of social housing by any means at its disposal. All methods and means contained in the social housing policy are used and we encourage all local authorities to use every practicable method to advance the agenda of having a mix of housing and good social integration. Efforts such as those in County Wexford and in other local authority areas are encouraged by the Department.
