Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
362. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 63 of 25 January 2022, if he will increase the number of house acquisitions given the low number of acquisitions nationally (details supplied); and if he will include as one of the specific priority acquisitions properties with tenants in situ in cases in which a sale by a private landlord will result in homelessness. [7866/22]
View answerUnder 'Housing for All', the Government's priority is to deliver 47,600 new build social homes over the next five years. Substantial funding is available to local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to deliver on this objective as the primary means through which they will increasingly meet the needs of those on their waiting lists. My Department has consistently engaged with local authorities with regard to the priority to deliver homes through new builds. I am also keen that local authorities and AHBs avoid competing with potential private purchasers for available properties.
Given the focus of support on the build programme and the need to avoid competition, I have asked local authorities to limit their acquisitions of privately owned properties, with approximately 200 acquisitions to be undertaken over this year under the Social Housing Investment Programme and the Capital Advance Leasing Facility funding programmes. In January 2022, my Department issued a Circular to local authorities on this matter, entitled Housing Circular 02/2022 - Arrangements for Social Housing Acquisitions in 2022.
It will be a matter for the local authorities themselves to decide their specific priority acquisitions, including in circumstances where a notice to quit has issued to sitting tenants. I have asked that they focus on the following priority areas:
- One-bedroom units to deliver on Housing First and meet the short supply in this category;
- Other properties that allow persons/families to move from homelessness;
- Specific housing required for individuals with a disability or other particular priority needs.
Any acquisition proposed must represent value for money per my Department’s acquisitions guidelines.
Limited acquisitions by AHBs through the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) will also continue where they are focussed on specific vulnerable cohorts, such as housing for older people, accommodation for individuals and families who are homeless and for people with disability. However, the priority remains to focus to the greatest extent possible on increasing construction delivery under CAS. Local authorities should therefore engage with AHBs operating in their areas with a view to increasing their focus on construction projects or acquisitions that utilise vacant properties.
Social housing allocation policies are a matter for the local authorities. It is open to Dublin City Council to secure limited acquisitions, on a case by case basis, in line with their own Allocations Policy and the priority criteria set out in Housing Circular 02/2022 Arrangements for Social Housing Acquisitions in 2022. As Dublin City Council represents a significant proportion of the national housing need it would be expected that it will have a significant number of priority acquisitions approved in 2022.
Regarding situations where landlords are selling a property rented to a person or a family in receipt of social housing supports, including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and has issued the tenant with a valid notice to vacate, the local authority will offer advice and assistance.
Providing early intervention to people at risk of homelessness is a priority for Government. Local authorities oversee a range of homeless prevention and tenancy sustainment measures. Many of these services are operated in partnership between local authorities and NGO service delivery partners and are funded by my Department. The HAP Placefinder Service supports households experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, to identify and secure a HAP supported tenancy in the private rented market. Under the Placefinder service, all local authorities are provided with the options to pay deposits and advance rental payments for eligible households. My Department is funding three dedicated HAP Placefinder Officers to support eligible households in the Dublin City Council area.
My Department also funds Threshold’s Tenancy Protection Service. This service provides advice and support to individuals, couples and families living in private rented accommodation experiencing tenancy problems. This service has been instrumental in preventing homelessness in the first instance and supporting people to remain in their homes.
Therefore, in circumstances in which it is not possible for the tenants to secure a different home and are in danger of entering homelessness it is open to a local authority to propose acquiring the property in order to prevent such an outcome.
In relation to the specific case to which you refer, I understand that Dublin City Council has advised my Department that an AHB is entering into negotiations with the landlord with the view to purchasing this property allowing the family to stay in their home. The Council has also confirmed that they will consider recommending this acquisition to my Department, once it meets the criteria as set out by Housing Circular 02/2022 Arrangements for Social Housing Acquisitions in 2022.
