Voluntary Housing Bodies
Voluntary Housing Bodies are independent, non-profit making, and generally target specific areas of housing need.
They provide rented housing and services:
* For people who are unable to buy their own homes.
* For special needs groups such as older people, people with disabilities or homeless.
The Council is involved with Voluntary Bodies under the following schemes
* Capital Assistance and Loan & Subsidy Schemes
Approved Voluntary Housing Bodies may apply for assistance under the Capital Assistance Scheme or the Loan & Subsidy Scheme for the provision of accommodation for eligible persons.
The Capital Assistance Scheme has been utilised for many years to assist those with special needs such as the elderly, disabled and homeless people.
The Department of the Environment provides funds by way of grant to the Housing Authority.
Under the Loan & Subsidy Scheme, loans are available to approved Voluntary Housing Bodies for the provision of accommodation for certain low-income households.
The scheme is intended primarily to encourage the provision of family type accommodation.
The terms of the scheme are that the Department of the Environment pay the interest charges on the loan and a Management & Maintenance Fee to the Voluntary Body.