Housing is not the privilege of investors, it is a right of society

 

Statement by Haris Polycarpou, AKEL Political Bureau member

25 October 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The new increases in the cost of building materials have made acquiring a home into a privilege of the few, but the Anastasiades-DISY government continues to remain a passive spectator with regards society’s problems.

Instead of intervening decisively, the government’s inaction is crushing young couple’s dreams.

This is why AKEL yet again calls on the government to review its housing policy.

First, it should broaden the socio-economic criteria for inclusion in housing policy schemes so that a bigger part of society can be covered.

Second, the amount of grants should be readjusted to reflect current standards.

Third, social housing schemes should be expanded, with an emphasis on state and local government housing construction schemes, which should be provided at low rents or rents based on socio-economic criteria.

If for the DISY government housing is considered a privilege of investors, for AKEL it is a right of society.