Oireachtas committee urges moratorium on repossessions

The Oireachtas committee on housing has recommended the Government introduce a moratorium on home repossessions.

In its final report, the all-party committee makes a series of proposals, including fast-tracking the planning process for social housing.

The committee’s report, which is to be published on Friday, says Minister for Housing Simon Coveney should consider establishing a Housing Procurement Agency.

The body would take staff from the housing agency, the National Treasury Management Agency, the Department of Housing and the Department of Finance.

The agency would assist local authorities and approved housing bodies to deliver social-housing programmes through supports including funding and procurement.

Rent certainty

In the area of rent, the committee proposes introducing a system of rent certainty by linking rent reviews to the consumer price index.

The committee, which was established at the request of Sinn Féin, has met for more than eight weeks and held hearings with a number of stakeholders.

The committee says the Government should “as a matter of urgency fully and quickly” implement the programme for government’s strategy on mortgage arrears.

It adds: “Subject to advice of the Attorney General, the Government should introduce legislation for a moratorium on home repossessions until such time as the Government’s proposals are in place.”

It also proposes increasing support to first-time buyers to assist them in raising necessary deposits by introducing a special savings scheme.

It adds: “The Central Bank review of mortgage lending rules should have special regard for people in the rental sector, who must pay rent at the same time as complying with mortgage requirements should they wish to purchase a property, putting them in a particularly difficult financial position.”

The committee also suggests the Government should develop an overarching national two-year strategy to reduce vacancies in the general housing stock.