Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
403. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider amending the regulations underpinning the tenant purchase scheme to expand eligibility for persons in receipt of long-term disability and invalidity allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22612/23]
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 the 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 disability allowance and invalidity pension which, for those without dependents, is currently below the minimum reckonable income threshold.
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.
