Funds announced for Social Housing

Almost €8 billion from the European Regional Development Fund over the period 2007-2013 were made available last month (June) to fund insulation works, installation of solar panels and replacement of sub-standard boilers in all social housing in the EU.

This was the main message at a conference hosted by the Committee of the Regions and organised by CECODHAS, the European network of social and co-operative housing federations and CEMR, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions.

"Being a European Cohesion Policy instrument ERDF support is directed only where the need exists, where public support is necessary, and in a way supporting social cohesion," said Dirk Ahner, Director for Regional Policy. "In this context, social housing could be a priority field of intervention."

Ms Carola Gunnarsson, CEMR rapporteur on cohesion and territorial policies, added: "The local and regional level have a leading role to play in the implementation of economic stimulus and recovery programmes, and their investments are more likely to be successful and more speedily than those made at other levels. In order to achieve this objective, local and regional governments, however, need the necessary political recognition as well as adequate financial and technical support."

David Orr, President of CECODHAS concluded: "We must use this new opportunity given by the EU structural funds to act rapidly."

An information leaflet on the new ERDF rule is available here.

Last Updated: 03-07-2009 12:42:00 By Katherine Hitchcock