Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
274. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the ineligibility of those on a widow’s pension, rather than a State pension, for the tenant purchase scheme; and if he will outline any plans he has to reform this anomaly. [9670/23]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, or joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme. To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria, including minimum annual reckonable income and minimum time in receipt of social housing supports.
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 are not currently considered when determining an applicant's reckonable income.
Changes to the scheme are currently being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.
