Existing Local Authority House Purchase Scheme
De Rossa says no central scheme currently lets tenants buy the local authority homes they occupy, suggesting tenants are instead expected to use the £5,000 grant; Quinn is unsure and disputes that the scheme has ended. The exchange concludes when the Chair moves the House to priority questions.
Are there any house purchase schemes in existence for local authority dwellings and, if not, why?
Comment on this
I think the Deputy is referring to a system where local authorities built houses either for letting or for purchase. The joint approach was combined in a system where applicants for housing had the choice of becoming tenant purchasers with 100 per cent loans or remaining as tenants. The supply of low cost housing for purchase ——
Comment on this
No. The time is nearly up and I know what the Minister is at. A purchase scheme whereby tenants can buy the houses in which they are already living has not been in existence for nearly two years.
Comment on this
My understanding is that there is such a scheme. If the Deputy is referring to the way in which it currently operates, I have no knowledge in that regard.
Comment on this
There is no local authority central purchase scheme in operation at present because, presumably, the Government want tenants to take up the new grant of £5,000.
