Danny Healy-Rae
Question:690. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40544/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 July 2022
Questions (690)
Written answers
The Tenant Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, or joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme. Applicants must meet certain criteria, including minimum reckonable income and minimum time in receipt of social housing supports, to be eligible.
The minimum income requirement has a dual purpose. It ensures the scheme is sustainable, and the tenant purchasing the house has the financial means to maintain and insure the property for the duration of the charged period. For these reasons, certain social welfare payments, including Widows, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner Pension is not currently considered when determining an applicant's reckonable income.
Changes to the Tenant Purchase Scheme are currently being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.