The State has published the list of municipalities not complying with the SRU law. Nice is among those most heavily penalized.
The prefectural decree confirming the fines related to non-compliance with the Solidarity and Urban Renewal (SRU) law was issued in February. Nice, which still does not fulfill its obligations in terms of social housing, will have to pay more than eight million euros to the State.
Adopted in 2000, the SRU law requires municipalities with more than 3,500 inhabitants to have at least 25% social housing. This goal aims to ensure a better distribution of housing and to avoid the concentration of poverty. Nice, with a rate well below this threshold, incurs penalties every year.
A fine that weighs on the city’s finances
“The prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes published the decree detailing the fines imposed on municipalities not complying with the SRU law. Nice is once again singled out. Christian Estrosi refuses to enforce the law, and taxpayers in Nice will continue to pay the high price,” says Julien Picot of the PCF06. He advocates for a more proactive policy, reminding that 70% of Nice’s residents are eligible for social housing.
Philippe Vardon, municipal and metropolitan councilor, denounces what he calls an “archaic law” and criticizes a “fiscal racket” aimed at imposing social diversity. “Today, our municipality would need 20,000 more social housing units, equivalent to 315 towers of 13 floors each,” he states.
Exemplary and struggling municipalities
In the Alpes-Maritimes, 34 municipalities are cited for non-compliance with the SRU law. Some, like Menton, Le Cannet, or Grasse, have to pay over a million euros.
Conversely, some cities meet the obligations. Saint-André-de-la-Roche shows 26% social housing thanks to programs built in the 1970s. Valbonne goes further with 29%, continuing its efforts with new projects, notably in Sophia Antipolis.
Long struggling, Antibes managed to reduce its fine by signing an agreement with the State. Its penalties have been reduced from four million euros to 600,000 euros.
For Nice, the issue of social housing remains a political and financial debate. The city will have to choose between continuing to pay fines or revising its construction policy.
