Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 May 2023
156. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he intends to provide additional funding to local authorities to provide for the proper management of their existing and future social housing stock in view of the increase in the numbers of social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23348/23]
View answerThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
Local authorities and elected members have a very important role to play in this regard by making adequate budgetary provision for housing repairs and cyclical maintenance utilising the housing rental income available to them as part of the annual budgetary process. This income will increase in consequence of an increase in social housing supply.
Notwithstanding the legal responsibility on local authorities to manage and maintain their housing stock, my Department and local authorities are working to transition from a largely response and voids-based approach to housing stock management and maintenance, to a planned maintenance approach as referenced in Housing for All, policy objective 20.6. This will require the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes in response.
My Department will continue to support local authorities in their work in this area. The 2023 Programme will provide funding of €31 million to Local Authorities to support the refurbishment and re-letting of a minimum of 2,300 vacant homes, and continue the transition from a reactive Voids approach to stock management, to a Planned Maintenance approach.
