The Union sociale pour l'habitat (USH), which represents 600 social landlords in France managing 5 million homes, is “very concerned” about plans to include an ‘affordable housing’ category, distinct from the current ‘social housing’ category, in the decision (2012/21) governing State aid granted to undertakings entrusted with the operation of services of general economic interest (SGEI) in the European Union (see EUROPE 13723/17).
Announced for Tuesday 16 December, the ‘European plan for housing’ must not represent “a simple regulatory change leading, in reality, to a liberalisation of the sector, without addressing the economic causes of the crisis”, declared Emmanuelle Cosse, President of USH, in a press release.
According to the organisation, the 2012 decision has already made it possible in France to meet the needs of vulnerable households - working-class people, low-income pensioners and a large proportion of employees - in exercising their right to housing.
In addition, adds USH, the existence of a single SGEI for housing means that resources can be pooled and social diversity strategies implemented, with the room for manoeuvre thus created being used to benefit housing for low-income households.
“This solidarity is essential if the system is to function”, the organisation stresses. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)