Government aligned MP Abdulla Shaheem Abdul Hakeem for Kanditheemu constituency has submitted a Social Housing Bill to parliament on Tuesday.
The bill proposes that individuals who apply for social housing projects and are deemed eligible, and yet do not receive housing, are issued an allowance by the State.
The bill further defines terms of social housing, conditions for provision of social housing, and conditions for use of social housing.
The bill stipulates that under a law, a register of persons in need of social housing must be compiled. This list must be published annually. Conditions concerning those on the register must be regularly monitored, with the list kept regularly updated.
Housing benefits, or an allowance, is to be provided to those who are listed on the register, but have not been issued a flat. The allowance will be issued to persons living on rent under a rent agreement, at a rate no higher than defined in a related regulation that will drafted for the purpose.
This allowance will be issued on a monthly basis as financial assistance.
The bill also highlights other categories of persons who will be prioritized when issuing housing. These are:
- persons with disabilities
- caregivers or guardians of persons with disabilities
- persons going through chronic/serious illnesses
- guardians of dependents of persons going through serious illnesses
- persons caring for elderly dependents of ill health
The bill stipulates that in providing social housing, financial status and living conditions of the applicants must be ascertained, and defines how this is to be achieved.
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