My Department operates a number of funding programmes that assist Local Authorities to work in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to construct and purchase homes, making them available for social housing. One such programme that Local Authorities and AHBs progress Social Housing projects through is the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) and Payment and Availability (P&A) programme. This loan facility can support between 25% and 30% of the eligible capital cost of the housing project. The Local Authority issues the CALF monies to the AHB and the Local Authority, in turn, recoups same from my Department.
As with all Exchequer-supported projects, my Department as approving authority, assesses each project proposal for suitability as determined by the Local Authority, value for money and compliance with the various requirements of the funding programme.
The project referred to was approved for CALF funding in October 2023.
While I appreciate your concern about this property development, Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a Local Authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 specifically provides that Minister’s power to issue policy directions and guidelines to Local Authority in relation to their housing functions shall not be construed as enabling a Minister to exercise any power or control in relation to any individual case with which a housing authority is or may be concerned.
In relation to the allocation of social housing to tenants and matters arising, including the length of time it takes for this to happen upon completion of a project, is a matter for the Local Authority and the AHB involved, in this case Oaklee and Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown.
Therefore, as Minister I am precluded by current housing legislation from exercising any power or control in relation to any case being dealt with by a housing authority.
