Written answers

Tuesday, 16 May 2023

Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

Rental Sector

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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403. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider amending the regulations underpinning the tenant purchase scheme to expand eligibility for persons in receipt of long-term disability and invalidity allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22612/23]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, or joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme.

To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria, including the minimum annual reckonable income of €12,500. The minimum income requirement has a dual purpose. It ensures the scheme remains sustainable and the tenant purchasing the house has the financial means to maintain and insure the property for the duration of the charging period.

For these reasons, certain income is not considered reckonable when determining an applicant's primary income. This includes the disability allowance and invalidity pension which, for those without dependents, is currently below the minimum reckonable income threshold.

Changes in relation to reckonable income are being considered by my Department, together with other potential changes to the scheme, as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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404. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider amending the regulations around cost rental to allow people marginally under the current income threshold to access cost rental schemes, where affordability can be demonstrated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22613/23]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Awaiting reply from Department.

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