The Department of Housing is facing criticism for halting funding for the purchase of individual secondhand social houses. Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) relied on the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (Calf) funding to buy homes for people with disabilities, larger families, and others with specific needs.
Recently, AHBs reported that this funding has been “unilaterally stopped,” with a March circular stating that limited funding through Calf would only cover multi-unit properties.
David Hall, CEO of iCare Housing, revealed that his organization lost five homes due to the funding freeze and had to withdraw from nearly 40 other bids. He has urged Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien to intervene.
Dublin Simon Community also criticized the move, stating that alternative schemes are not viable. With emergency accommodation numbers at a record high, Director of Property David McKenna expressed concern over the significant loss in their yearly acquisitions.
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett condemned the decision, urging the government to utilize all possible resources to address the housing crisis, particularly for larger families and households with additional needs.
As the housing crisis worsens, the impact of this policy change is felt immediately by AHBs and those in need of housing assistance.