The recently created HOUS committee has published the first draft of it’s report proposing solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable housing in Europe. This will now be revised following a consultation, then used in the development of the EU’s first Affordable Housing Plan, expected to be published by the end of the year.
It is positive to see that the Parliament understands the extent of the issue, but while this report suggests some options which could make small improvements for certain groups, it misses structural actions which could make a real, long-term difference.
Our recommendations to the parliamentarians reading: focus more on de-risking specialised public banks to boost long-term investment; scaling up bulk purchasing of Modern Methods of Construction by public housing companies; guaranteeing and front- loading revolving funds to support housing associations and housing co-operatives committed to re-invest; speeding up schemes for clever streamlined land-use and existing/empty building conversion and right-sizing schemes. Removing on-going blocks to micro-grid development for local production and consumption of energy is also crucial – while unaffordable rents are at the heart of the problem overall, it’s heating and cooling bills that often push households over the edge.
Housing Europe was also interviewed on the topic in Politico’s Global Policy Lab.
Our position will be further developed with members over the next weeks.