Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
276. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to a series of issues in relation to council tenants (details supplied) who were not allowed a discount on the price of their house under the tenant (incremental) purchase scheme 2016 for the material improvements carried out on same; if he will consider modifying the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5429/24]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants of local authority houses which are available for sale under the scheme. All applications for the Scheme must satisfy the requirements outlined in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and the associated regulations.
The Act includes provision for a local authority to take into consideration any material improvements made to the house by tenants, where written permission has been obtained in advance of these material improvements taking place. Local authorities have been issued with detailed written guidance regarding the operation of the Scheme.
Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. The operation of and any decisions made in respect of the Scheme is, therefore, entirely a matter for the local authority and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on an individual case.
My Department monitors schemes on an ongoing basis to ensure that they remain effective and sustainable. However, no changes to the method by which local authorities determine a purchase price or determine the allowance for material improvements are being considered at this time.
