An urgent response to the housing need
The recent Government of the Generalitat has taken the initiative to combat the inactivity of councils that are located in areas classified as ‘stressed areas’. Localities such as La Seu d’Urgell, Puigcerdà, Sort and Tremp are facing a housing crisis, with a noticeable deficit in investment aimed at increasing social housing.
Paradoxes in municipal priorities
A notable example is the Seu d’Urgell, where an alarming discrepancy can be observed: while the allocations for festive celebrations are increased, the resources allocated to the creation of affordable housing are not sufficient. This situation reflects one of the most important concerns of the local population, who are clamoring for effective housing solutions.
The housing plan: an ambitious roadmap
In an attempt to correct these inequalities, the Government of Salvador Illa has designed a housing plan that aims to guarantee that, within 20 years, 15% of housing in Catalonia will be social or affordable. This plan not only identifies municipalities with strong residential demand, but also establishes short-term goals to encourage urban solidarity.
Objectives for access to housing
The plan envisages that, within a year, the councils will have drawn up a detailed register of the homes available for social policies, in accordance with new and more efficient criteria. In addition, it is stipulated that the affordable rental stock must represent 9% of the total number of homes.
Urban reforms for a sustainable future
The affected municipalities will have to allocate 50% of the new developable land to residential housing, as well as 40% of the unconsolidated urban land. A key aspect of this reform is that half of the reserves will have to be used for rent. In the next two years, municipal urban plans will have to adapt to the new guidelines established by the Territorial Plan.
A more robust inspection system
The Government is also committed to improving its inspection capacity to identify empty flats and create censuses that allow effective measures to be implemented. Housing intended for social policies will include both those on public offer and those managed by private operators, as well as other forms of inclusive housing.
Diversity of housing options
Options include official protection housing, rental housing managed by social networks, and shelter housing for immigrants and asylum seekers. This diversity is essential to ensure that the needs of different social groups are met.
The road to accessible housing
With these developments, the municipalities will have to create a housing census for social policies within a year. The Government’s vision is clear: to ensure that everyone has access to decent and affordable housing, thus reversing the current trend of housing insecurity.
