Investment against the housing crisis

The City of Reykjavík instructs Félagsbústaðir (Social Housing) to make an investment to provide housing for people currently waiting for housing from the city. Nearly 900 individuals and families are on a waiting list for housing from the city, considering social rental housing, housing for disabled people, housing for homeless individuals, and service apartments for the elderly. Many more are waiting for housing that suits their needs if the children of these individuals are included. According to a rough estimate, it would cost about 24 billion to purchase housing to clear the housing waiting list in Reykjavík before the end of the electoral term.

It is necessary to eliminate housing waiting lists and combat the housing shortage, which most severely affects those who are worst off in society. Housing and secure shelter are fundamental prerequisites for welfare, and investment in housing development should be at the top of the city's priority list. Each apartment will generate rental income for the city, which can go towards loan repayments for housing development. The Department of Finance and Risk Management should be tasked with elaborating on the proposal in cooperation with Social Housing and the Department of Welfare.

At the City of Reykjavík, applications for general social rental housing are 531. Latest figures show that applications for housing for homeless individuals with extensive and complex service needs number 72, applications for service apartments for the elderly are 144, and applications for housing for people with disabilities are 136. In total, there are 883 applications. Behind each application is a person, and behind people are families and children waiting for housing.

117 families with children are behind applications for general social rental housing, of which 94 are single parents waiting to get into social rental housing. The need is therefore extremely great. Here are well over 800 households that need to be provided for. It is necessary to build a good city that encompasses the basic needs of all residents. Many are now in dire need of housing. To combat waiting lists, it is necessary for the city's investment plan to reflect the reality of people, with the aim of eliminating waiting lists and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Housing and secure shelter are fundamental prerequisites for welfare, and investment in housing development should be at the top of the city's priority list. Each apartment will generate rental income for the city, which can go towards loan repayments for housing development. The actual expenditure of the City of Reykjavík is therefore lower than the figure mentioned here to eliminate the housing shortage. The 24 billion cost takes into account an 18% initial contribution from the state but without interest costs.

Municipalities have the duty to ensure a sufficient supply of housing for those families and individuals who are otherwise unable to provide housing for themselves due to low wages, heavy cost of living, or other social circumstances. It is unacceptable that so many people are waiting to get into secure shelter. The City of Reykjavík must respond to this.