In contrast to the Housing Commission’s recent report suggestion, Darragh O’Brien, the UK’s Minister for Housing, has expressed his disapproval to establish a new executive body that would manage the housing delivery across all governmental bodies and agencies. Mr O’Brien argues that this proposition could be problematic and would only create unnecessary layers in the housing delivery system.
The Minister explained that he only had the report for review for a brief 14-day period, although the commission had spent three years compiling the report. He had intended to fully scrutinise the report, give it due consideration, and then release it before it was prematurely leaked.
Despite the report having a total of 83 recommendations, Mr O’Brien positively noted that many of the proposals have either been implemented or are currently in progress. A notable example he cited was the successful introduction of the 20% provision for social and affordable houses, and amendments to ensure 40% of houses distributed last year were government-backed.
The Minister also expressed satisfaction for the utilisation of equity schemes aiding first-time buyers, with nearly 10,000 now registered for the scheme.
Responding to the report’s suggestion of creating laws to safeguard social housing from privatisation, Mr. O’Brien highlighted his focus on maintaining, not selling, social housing stock. He further cited the highest increased production of social homes (amounting to 12,000) last year since 1975 as evidence of success in this area.
In addition, the Housing Commission’s proposal to replace Rent Pressure Zones with a new regulatory arrangement and declaring all rental charges publicly has been acknowledged by The Minister, confirming the government would consider the suggestion during the Rental Market Review.
The proposal requires thorough examination before any decisions can be made, acknowledging the deep commitment and considerable time the committee has devoted to the project, said the spokesperson. Cabinet members will be given a detailed overview regarding the feasible propositions in the near future.
“Rent Pressure Areas have been of crucial aid to tenants,” noted Mr O’Brien, saying they were initially introduced by previous government administrators with a 4% cap on rent increases, which has now been lowered to 2% by him. He also confirmed last week that the scheme will continue until 2025.
The comprehensive review of the rental market that is currently underway involves discussions with a varied group of individuals including those from NGOs, the private sector, investors and tenants. He mentioned that all novel suggestions are being taken into account for this ongoing review of the rental marketplace.
“The targeted leasing scheme is primarily aimed at those residing in emergency shelters. We must also identify other alternative solutions. While our past efforts with leasing have not progressed as intended, this targeted long-term leasing project is primarily focused on those living in temporary means of shelter, creating an additional avenue for housing.”
He voiced a preference for individuals to live in these homes rather than emergency shelters, adding that leasing is only a minor component of the overall housing project, and that the ‘Housing for All’ initiative intends to phase it out.
Mr O’Brien officiated the inauguration of 72 new homes designated for social housing at Dominick Hall on Lower Dominick Street, along with Daithí de Róiste, the Lord Mayor of Dublin. He lauded the venture as a “prime illustration of the remarkable rejuvenation work being carried out in Dublin City Council” and added that progress is gaining momentum and moving in a positive direction.
Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin, who was also present at the ceremony, criticised the report for highlighting the government’s flawed policies. She spoke about erroneous decision-making, improper approaches and an overly cautious and sluggish response. McDonald emphasised the need for a significant overhaul in housing policy, a sentiment that she has been expressing for some time and that has now been validated by the government’s own Housing Commission. She expressed doubt about the current government’s ability to pioneer much-needed changes.