Housing Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2023

Thursday, 4 May 2023

Questions (179)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

179. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 505 of 21 March 2023, if he will examine including the widower’s or surviving civil partner (contributory) pension as a qualifying payment for the tenant purchase scheme considering it is contributions-based and has the same rates as the State pension (contributory) which does meet the minimum income threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20893/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The 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 a minimum annual reckonable income of €12,500. The minimum income requirement has a dual purpose. It ensures the scheme remains sustainable and the tenant purchasing the house has the financial means to maintain and insure the property for the duration of the charging period.

For these reasons, certain income is not considered reckonable when determining an applicant's primary income. This includes the Widow's, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension which, for those aged 66 and under without child dependents, is currently below the minimum reckonable income threshold.

That said, changes in relation to reckonable income are being considered by my department, together with other potential changes to the scheme, as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.