Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:284. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the criteria to become an approved housing body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52488/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 December 2017
Ceisteanna (284)
Freagraí scríofa
Under Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, housing authorities may provide assistance to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the provision and management of housing accommodation. Section 6 (6) of the Act empowers the Minister to grant approved status for this purpose.
Bodies which may be considered for approval are as follows:
- Limited Companies formed by guarantee of their members and not having a shareholding, registered under the Companies Acts, 1963 – 2001;
- Societies registered under the Industrial & Provident Societies Acts, 1893 – 1978; and
- Trusts incorporated under the Charities Acts.
The Bodies must also:
- Have, as their primary objectives, the relief of housing needs or poverty or hardship or the welfare of Travellers, and the provision and management of housing;
- Have in their memorandum of association or registered rules, as the case may be, provisions prohibiting the distribution of any surplus, profit, bonus or dividend to members and requiring that the assets of the body be applied solely towards its objectives; and
- Ensure that their assets are applied solely towards their objectives.
Further details regarding applications for Approved Housing Body status can be found on my Department's website at:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/voluntary-and-cooperative-housing/approved-housing-bodies-AHBs.