Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
333. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the fresh start principle for applications to State-run affordable housing and loan schemes outlined in the Housing for All plan, which would mean that those who are divorced or separated would be eligible to apply for State schemes, will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46065/21]
View answerHousing for All is the most ambitious housing plan in the history of our State, backed up by an unprecedented financial commitment of in excess of €4bn per annum. In general, affordable purchase schemes under the plan will be targeted at first time buyers. However, it is intended that a ‘Fresh Start’ principle will apply for applications to both affordable purchase housing and local authority home loan schemes. This would mean that people who are divorced or who have undergone insolvency proceedings, will be eligible to apply.
Housing for All commits to delivering an average of 4,000 affordable purchase homes per annum.
Regarding the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, I have already commenced Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 regarding Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangements. Section 10 of that Act details criteria for the assessment of applicant eligibility by a housing authority and provides eligibility in cases where a marriage, civil partnership or relationship has ended. It is intended the Regulations governing the operation of these provisions will be put in place in the near future.
With regard to Cost Rental affordable homes, the first set of Regulations under the Affordable Housing Act 2021 came into effect on 19 August, and these govern the process by which the owners of dwellings may obtain the designation of their properties as Cost Rental dwellings. With the relevant elements of the Act relating to the local authority affordable purchase scheme (Part 2) and Cost Rental (Part 3) now commenced, it is my intention to make further Regulations governing eligibility and price ceilings that will be applicable to these schemes by November 2021. These regulations will also reflect the ‘Fresh Start’ principle.
Finally, the successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, the 'Local Authority Home Loan', which will be in place later in 2021, will also apply this 'Fresh start' principle. The ‘Fresh Start’ definition will come into effect with the other changes under the Local Authority Home Loan Scheme later in Q4 this year, when the new Regulations and revised Credit Policy are in place.
