Vol. 546 No. 1
135 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he expects to meet the housing requirements of those on the housing list of the various local authorities throughout the country; if the list will be cleared within five years or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31312/01]
136 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he can give an assurance that all applicants for local authority or affordable housing throughout the country can be accommodate within ten years based on present progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31313/01]
139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of local authority housing applicants he expects to be re-housed in 2002 based on 2001 performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31316/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 135, 136 and 139 together.
Local authority housing output, including both new build and acquisitions, is expected to reach some 5,000 units this year. This level of output is underpinned by an increased level of work in progress which should lead on to an estimated 6,000 completions-acquisitions in 2002. All of these completions will impact on the numbers on the local authority waiting lists.
The enhanced multi-annual local authority housing programme together with the increased output from the complementary social housing measures and vacancies occurring in the existing stock, will enable the housing needs of approximately 11,000 households be met this year and more than 13,000 households in 2002. The total number of households to be provided with accommodation under the various social housing programmes this year – 11,000 – would represent between 20% and 25% of the total numbers on the waiting lists. In addition, of course, to those being housed from the waiting list there is also a flow of new applications onto the waiting lists. An accurate estimate of the position in relation to waiting lists will be established by the next statutory assessment of housing needs which is due to be undertaken by local authorities at the end of March 2002.
Local authorities do not generally maintain waiting lists for houses being sold under the affordable housing scheme. Houses are advertised in the local press as they become available and invitations to purchase are invited. Local authorities prioritise these applications taking account of household circumstances, housing need and ability to repay the net price involved.
