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Approved Housing Bodies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Ceisteanna (289)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

289. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the policy process in relation to approved housing bodies which are in engagement with the Housing Regulator; if during this process funding through the HSA or CALF can be availed of by the approved housing bodies to enable them continue with their housing construction or house purchase programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16689/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In advance of the formal establishment of the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority, as provided for by the Housing (Regulation of the Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019, the oversight of approved housing bodies (AHBs) is conducted through the Voluntary Regulation Code (the Code), "Building for the Future, A Voluntary Regulation Code for Approved Housing Bodies in Ireland" underpinned by three standards - Financial, Governance and Performance. The Code is overseen by an Interim Regulatory Committee supported by a Regulation Office based in the Housing Agency.

When the Regulation Office receives a regulatory return for an AHB it assesses that organisation in line with their size, scope of activity and risk profile. The office assesses AHBs against the Code and standards. Following this assessment, if an AHB is not meeting key requirements under the Code they may be entered into engagement. An AHB entered into engagement will work with the Regulation Office to obtain a satisfactory assessment. This is a fluid process with AHBs entering and exiting engagement at various times.

All funding to AHBs is provided via the local authorities as the latter are the statutory housing authorities for their areas. All social housing provision in each area, including by AHBs, must be provided with the approval and oversight of the relevant local authorities. The local authority determines whether an AHB project is to be approved or not, based on housing need and suitability of the proposed development. The AHB enters into a contract with the local authority and must abide by the terms and conditions of the relevant scheme.

There are a range of funding and delivery mechanisms available to local authorities to deliver social housing supports in partnership with AHBs. In accordance with Department Circular 15/2016, only those AHBs that have signed up to the Code and have undergone a satisfactory assessment as part of the assessment process by the Regulation Office are considered eligible for new funding. Once a local authority has entered into a contract with an AHB, prior to them entering into engagement with the Regulation Office, that funding may continue.

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