Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 July 2020
19. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he plans to publish revised terms for the housing incremental purchase scheme 2016 to make it more attractive to persons to purchase their local authority house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17312/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme 2016 is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. The legislative underpinning for the Scheme is provided by Part 3 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and associated regulations.
As part of a package of social housing reforms, the Programme for Government commits to maintaining the right of social housing tenants to purchase their home, but signals changes to the current terms of the Scheme, such as requiring tenants to be in situ for 10 years, reduction of the discount to a maximum of 25%, and providing that local authorities will have the first call on purchase of the house.
In line with the commitment given in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness, a review of the operation of the first 12 months of the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme 2016 has been finalised and a full report has been prepared setting out findings and recommendations.
I will consider the findings of the Review alongside the commitments in the Programme for Government. The changes outlined in the Programme for Government will necessitate amendments to both primary and secondary legislation and I would hope to be in a position to make those changes as soon as possible.
