Minister defends Tenant in Situ scheme changes for protection

The Minister for Housing, James Browne, defended changes to the Tenant in Situ scheme, which helps local authorities buy homes from landlords to prevent tenant evictions. He stated the adjustments aim to protect vulnerable groups. Since April 2023, over 2,500 households have avoided homelessness through this scheme. Concerns have been raised by Sinn Féin about proposed restrictions that may limit access for those at risk, particularly single individuals and couples without children. Sinn Féin is urging local authorities to maintain flexibility in the scheme's operation. They oppose a new rule requiring landlords to receive social housing support for two years before selling to local authorities. Browne highlighted a €325 million budget for purchasing schemes this year.