Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2018
599. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if new community-based housing bodies are eligible for capital funding for the construction of voluntary houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27847/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to be eligible for funding for the construction of social housing, housing bodies must be registered as Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992.
To become an AHB, the body must comply with a range of criteria including that it is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. Details on how to apply for approved status can be found on my Department's website at the following link:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/voluntary-and-cooperative-housing/approved-housing-bodies-AHBs.
AHBs may avail of funding of up to 100% under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme to assist them in providing housing for the elderly, homeless and people with disabilities. Details of the scheme and of how to apply for funding under it are available from the local authorities, who are responsible for its administration.
In addition, Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) is available as a low-interest loan provided by local authorities (and recouped by my Department) to AHBs to allow them access to early working capital (up to 30% of the relevant costs) for the purchase, construction or refurbishment of units that will then be made available for social housing purposes under the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP). Low interest rate borrowings are available to AHBs from the Housing Finance Agency to support the financing of the balance.
The oversight of AHBs is currently conducted through the Voluntary Regulation Code (VRC), Building for the Future, A Voluntary Regulation Code for Approved Housing Bodies in Ireland. The VRC is overseen by the Interim Regulation Committee (IRC), based in the Housing Agency.
Since the Code was put in place, any AHB applying for housing funding from my Department and local authorities must furnish proof of compliance with the Voluntary Code. Only those AHBs that have undergone a satisfactory assessment as part of the annual assessment process by the Regulation Office are considered eligible for funding for the provision of social housing.
