Vol. 555 No. 2
390 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if qualification for social housing and shared ownership schemes differs between different housing authorities to take account of variations in average house prices; and if a more generous scheme can be put in place for housing authorities such as Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, where average house prices are well above the national average. [18020/02]
It is a matter for each local authority to administer the local authority and social housing programmes in their area, having regard, as appropriate, to the housing needs and circumstances of their area. In operating the shared ownership scheme, local authorities should have regard to local circumstances including, inter alia, average house prices. While the income limit applying to the scheme is set nationally, the application of the maximum price limit to the scheme and the maximum mortgage loan in each case is determined by the relevant local authority. However, account has to be taken of the purchaser's ability to repay by reference to net income of the household.
Data published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins indicate that activity under the shared ownership scheme is increasing in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area. In the first six months of 2002, 18 transactions were completed and 109 applications received by the council. This compares to nine completions and 73 applications under the scheme in the same period of 2001.
