Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
743. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 13 July 2022, if his Department is considering any changes to the tenant (incremental) purchase scheme to allow part V local authority properties to be purchased by tenants-in-situ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16824/23]
View answer758. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any exceptions for council tenants wishing to purchase their home from the council where they have been refused under Part V rules; if this could be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16621/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 743 and 758 together.
The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme.
The scheme is governed by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015. The regulations provide for specified classes of houses to be excluded from sale, including those provided to local authorities under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
The Part V provisions seek to promote social integration and secure mixed tenure, sustainable communities. Accordingly, Part V properties are excluded from the scheme to ensure the original policy goals of the legislation are not eroded over time and the properties remain available for people most in need of social housing support.
While the sale of dwellings under the scheme are generally matters for local authorities, such sales must meet the criteria set down in the 2014 Act and associated Regulations and local authorities have no scope to derogate from these legislative requirements.
While there are no plans to amend this requirement at this time, potential changes to the scheme are currently being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.
