Non-profit housing associations could help find homes for up to 5,000 families and vulnerable groups such as older people and those with disabilities, a new survey by the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) has found.
And ICSH warned that this is vital at a time when pressure for social housing is building rapidly, especially in Dublin.
The study was undertaken to establish the ability of housing associations to assist local authorities in meeting housing needs. Since 2011 housing associations – who manage up to 27,000 homes – have been earmarked by Government for an enhanced role in the supply of new social housing.
It found that housing associations were still providing limited new social housing through a range of measures, including leasing, acquisitions, new build, mortgage to rent, regeneration and re-letting of vacant properties. But it confirmed there was a desire amongst the associations to do more.
The “Housing Supply Capacity” survey findings were launched today (Weds) at the ICSH Annual General Meeting in the Aishling Hotel in Dublin.
Mr Donal McManus, ICSH Executive Director, stated that ‘The findings of the survey confirmed housing associations are still willing, despite the economic downturn, to continue to provide new social housing even with significantly reduced state capital funding. There is a real willingness by the associations to supply more social housing with private finance as part of new mixed funding models.”
However, Mr McManus added that the Government could assist housing association by resolving existing hurdles to deliver more social housing.
Key issues identified by housing associations include:
- Availability of private finance required on good terms and conditions
- Removing administrative hurdles such as state mortgage charges
- NAMA model of leasing properties adjusted to increase supply for social housing
- Need for a three year planned housing development programme
- Limited state capital assistance funding targeted for special needs for leverage in accessing private loan finance
- Provision of state land for delivering new social housing
Mr McManus added: “The greatest pressure for social housing is building up rapidly in Dublin and the private rental market will not be able to cope with escalating demand resulting in higher rents that is why it is crucial to control the supply of social housing with increased output particularly with new build.”
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Editor’s Note: The Irish Council for Social Housing represents over 270 member housing associations who provide social housing in every local authority area. In the last housing needs assessment there were over 98,000 recorded by local authorities as in need of social housing.