Work on the social housing law will begin, the concept has been approved

Prague - The government has approved the concept of social housing as proposed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Based on it, the anticipated law is to be created. The proposal includes three levels of housing for those in need - emergency housing, social apartments, and affordable apartments. The municipality is expected to create their fund. The document does not specify what percentage of the apartments in its territory should belong to it. Members of the government informed about the approval of the concept at a press conference.
    Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Michaela Marksová (ČSSD) considers the enforcement of the regulation to be crucial. "We are a bit behind in this, however, we are still not so delayed that we could not push through the law," she said. Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka (ČSSD) also believes that the law will be enforced by his government.
    Marksová stated that most municipalities are unable to provide adequate social housing for those in need. "I believe that the Czech Republic is located in the middle of Europe, it is a relatively rich state and it is absolutely scandalous that we do not have a law on social housing," she said.
    According to the coalition plan, the law on social housing should take effect from 2017. Its outlines were originally to be on the cabinet's table in April and then in June, but these deadlines were not met. The platform for social housing criticizes the delays. They fear that before the elections, there will no longer be the willingness to push through such a complex issue.
    The concept includes three levels of housing for those in need. Emergency housing would be a social service for homeless people or those threatened with health and life danger. A social apartment represents simpler housing, where social workers would look after the tenants. An affordable apartment is regular housing, primarily for seniors, the disabled, families with children, victims of domestic violence, or young people leaving children's homes. Assistance could be provided to individuals or families whose income is insufficient for adequate housing, specifically less than 40% of their income. This assistance should be provided by the municipality.
    According to the proposed concept, the law would require municipalities to ensure that a certain percentage of apartments in their territory belongs to the social housing fund. However, the document lacks the specifics of the share and the deadline for its fulfillment; this is to be established by the law. The authors of the concept mention that this will still be discussed. In an earlier version, they indicated an optimal five percent share. The determination of the mandatory share and the ambiguities surrounding the financing of the system caused the largest disputes.
    According to the proposal, an investment of 14.6 billion would be needed annually for two decades. This would come from loans or subsidies. The concept also includes the employment of 696 people in labor offices, who would handle the agenda. Their equipment would cost 31.3 million, while the total expense for salaries would amount to at least 282.6 million per year. An additional 45 positions would be created at the Ministry of Labor.
    According to the concept, an acceptable waiting period for an apartment is up to six months. However, this is said to be a target state only after completing the entire social housing scheme. The municipality should have apartments of its own as well as those from private owners in its fund. The rent should not exceed the officially determined costs of housing. People would receive a contract for two years, which could be extended. If they fail to meet the conditions, they would have to vacate the apartment. Seniors and the disabled should have contracts for an indefinite period.