Question to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government:
To ask the Minister in relation to the leasing of unsold affordable homes, the policy considerations that must be considered by local authorities when deciding on allocating such properties; the influence the social inclusion policy will have on such decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. -Jerry Buttimer
For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 6th March, 2013
Ref. No. 11924/13
REPLY
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan):
Any unsold affordable housing units that a housing authority has made available for social housing are subject to that authority’s allocation scheme, just as in the case of any other form of social housing. The making and amendment of such an allocation scheme for social housing is a reserved function of the elected members of each housing authority. In accordance with Guidance issued by my Department, leasing unsold affordable units should only be considered by local authorities where there is a demand for such accommodation within the area and where the tenure mix of the area is not adversely impacted.