During a debate on BX1, Brussels MP Aurélie Czekalski addressed crucial issues concerning housing in the Region.
Here are the solutions and proposals she supports to address the current challenges.
Social housing: rent allowance and support for social letting agencies
For more than 20 years, the MR has advocated for the rent allowance as an effective solution to address the housing emergency. Waiting lists for social housing are enormous (more than 10 years of waiting!) and building new social housing takes time. We propose gradually easing the eligibility conditions for this aid, so that eventually all households on social housing waiting lists can benefit from it in the form of a rent contribution. This measure must become the priority tool for access to housing, complementing support for social letting agencies and individualised follow-up for each Brussels resident to find employment, undertake training, etc.
Development of new neighbourhoods: consultation and mobility
The development of new neighbourhoods requires greater consultation with citizens and an adequate response to mobility needs. However, it is clear that the Brussels Region can no longer manage these projects alone, due to a lack of sufficient resources. We therefore advocate public-private partnerships to ensure a harmonious and sustainable development of these new neighbourhoods.
Access to home ownership: making it easier for everyone to buy
To make home ownership more accessible, we advocate a reduction in registration fees, similar to what is done in Flanders. In addition, we propose creating a deposit guarantee for young households and a rent-to-buy option. This bank guarantee would cover 10% of the property value up to €434,830 for five years, in the event of payment default or loss upon resale. This scheme, unique among French-speaking parties in Brussels, aims to increase home ownership, strengthen residential stability, and stem the flight of the middle class from our Region. This measure could positively impact thousands of first-time buyers each year.
Insulation and renovation
The sustainable renovation of buildings is a major challenge for the energy and climate transition. Given the lack of support for individuals, the shortage of trained workers, delays in issuing building permits, and the absence of a review of the EPB certificate, we propose a coordinated and costed renovation strategy. Our plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reforming EPB certification and ensuring the availability of the workforce needed to meet renovation demand. In this context, developing training and socio-professional integration pathways towards renovation trades, along with increased support for supply, would be worthwhile.
These proposals could significantly help improve access to housing in Brussels and meet the growing needs of its residents. It is crucial that the next Brussels Government takes ambitious and coordinated measures to tackle this major challenge, relying on cooperation between the various stakeholders in the housing sector.
To watch the full debate on BX1
- Let's help young people become homeowners: https://urlz.fr/qUXM
- For a rationalisation of public property operators. https://urlz.fr/qUXR
- Stop stigmatising landlords! https://urlz.fr/qUXW
- More inclusive policies for people living alone in Brussels https://urlz.fr/qUY2