I am open to considering all options for innovative approaches to funding additional social and mixed tenure housing. Representatives acting on my behalf have met with the group in question and the proposals referred to will now be considered by my Department.
The Programme for Government provides that we will examine the possibilities for new and innovative roles for local authorities in housing provision, via means such as Municipal Housing Companies and arm’s length management organisations. Work to examine the potential for such structures commenced in the second half of 2016. A key consideration in this regard is the question of whether any such structures would be on or off the Government balance sheet. A determination on the possible application of these new structures is expected by the end of 2017.