Charlie McConalogue says a new Bill put forward by his party will see the Tenant Purchase Scheme radically overhauled and improved.
The scheme is designed to facilitate local authority tenants buy their homes, but has received little pick up because of a raft of restrictions.
The Housing (Sale of Local Authority Housing) Bill 2016 seeks to address outstanding issues with income limits, age barriers and the fact that voluntary housing tenants are barred from the scheme as it currently stands.
Deputy McConalogue commented, “There have been a series of issues with the Tenant Purchase Scheme since it was introduced earlier this year. In fact there have only been 73 applications to the scheme over the past six months. Considering the fact that thousands of families would be eligible to apply for the scheme, the low take up is a clear indication that it is simply not working.
“There are a range of age and income restrictions which have deterred people in Donegal from applying and our Bill seeks to address those. We will open up the scheme to include voluntary housing body tenants and will examine what changes can be made to the age and income limits.
“There are many benefits in supporting local authority tenants to buy their own homes. It gives them a sense of security and helps foster sustainable communities. The scheme to date has been too exclusive but our Bill will ensure that more people in Donegal and across the country will be given the opportunity to buy their homes.
“We hope that all parties will support this Bill and allow it to progress. It is one element in a greater package of measures that is needed to urgently address the housing crisis, and I am calling on TDs here in Donegal and across the Dáil Chamber to row in behind this legislation”.
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