This scheme enables local authorities to improve or extend privately owned houses occupied or intended to be occupied by an approved applicant for housing as an alternative to the provision of local authority housing.
Do I qualify?
If you are a person whose application for local authority housing has been
approved by the local authority. You may apply to Athlone Town Council or
Westmeath County Council under this scheme.
What houses qualify?
The local authority may carry out improvement works under this scheme to privately
owned houses, which are
What works qualify?
The local authority may carry out any works to eliminate defects in the house
or to provide additional accommodation where this is necessary to eliminate
overcrowding or to accommodate a person not residing in the house who is approved
for local authority housing.
How does the local authority choose what houses to
improve?
The local authority will take into account the urgency of individual housing
needs when choosing houses to improve or extend under the scheme. It will
also have regard to the cost effectiveness of the proposal.
Why should I consider the scheme?
The scheme has the advantages that persons in housing need can remain in their
existing homes and neighbourhoods and, at the same time, enjoy decent housing
conditions sooner than they otherwise might.
What payments are involved?
The local authority will pay the full cost of the works carried out to the
house. You will pay a reasonable weekly or monthly charge in respect of the
local authority's costs for a maximum of 15 years. If, within the 15-year
period, the total of your payments equals the cost to the local authority,
the weekly or monthly charge will then cease.
The charge will be calculated, in much the same way as differential rents for local authority tenants, on the basis of your income and the cost of the works carried out.
Can I sell the house?
You can sell the house at any time. However, if the house is sold before the
total of your repayments equals the cost of the works or within 15 years of
the works being carried out, whichever is the sooner, you must make a repayment
to the authority. The amount of that repayment will be 1/15th of the cost
of the work for each year between the date of the sale and the expiry of 15
years from completion of the work.
Further information
The scheme of improvement works in lieu of local authority housing is available
from Athlone Town Council or Westmeath County Council. If you feel that the
scheme is an option that may be suited to your circumstances, contact your
local authority for further information.