“We are here, gathered together, to build a housing policy adapted to the challenges of the 21st century,” said Christine Boutin as she began her speech at the Social Housing Union congress in Cannes on September 25, 2008. The minister assured that in 2009, the target of 120,000 social housing units per year would be met and that the financing methods would be revealed on Friday.
“To provide a roof for everyone, we must tackle the entire housing chain, from those who are homeless to those who are well-housed,” she declared. Mrs. Boutin is determined to continue her efforts in construction and reconstruction. Already, in 2007, the number of financed homes reached 108,000, and 14,000 integration lease plans (PLA-I) were funded. However, she hopes to finance more homes this year than the previous year: “we could reach 20,000 PLA-I. That would be a great success.”
Improving Housing
The Minister of Housing also announced that energy improvement works in public housing “benefit from loans at a reduced rate of 1.9% for two years, with a scheduled review to adjust the system beyond that, based on observed outcomes. This system will be open to all social landlords.”
Christine Boutin further emphasized the reform of the 1% housing contribution. She intends to improve and refocus its use on the priorities of housing policy.
And because “we are all aware of the turbulence in financial markets, with their impact on real estate, it is important to reaffirm our strengths and our unwavering commitment to housing,” a new program concerning the renovation of degraded old neighborhoods will generate nearly 10 billion euros in works over eight years. This will affect localities facing the most challenging conditions of substandard, social, and urban housing.
In a few days, the minister will present her Mobilization for Housing and Fight Against Exclusion bill to Parliament. This project would simplify access to public housing and encourage mayors to streamline their housing inventories and construct social housing.
