Progresívne Slovensko Proposes New Housing Benefit

A group of lawmakers from the opposition party Progresívne Slovensko (PS) has put forth a legislative proposal to introduce a new housing benefit. This initiative is designed to provide more targeted assistance to households facing the dual pressures of escalating housing and energy expenses, a growing concern for many Slovak citizens.

“

Navrhovaná dávka má byť dostupná širšiemu okruhu ľudí než súčasný príspevok na bývanie viazaný na hmotnú núdzu.

The proposed benefit would compensate for housing costs exceeding 30 percent of a household's income, with a cap on the amount provided. Crucially, this measure aims to extend support beyond those solely in material need, encompassing the lower-middle class who are also feeling the strain of increased living costs. This approach acknowledges that a significant portion of the population, estimated at nearly a million people living at or below the poverty line in 2024, requires assistance.

“

Na Slovensku podľa údajov za rok 2024 žije na hranici alebo pod hranicou chudoby takmer milión ľudí, čo predstavuje viac ako 18 percent populácie.

Drawing inspiration from successful housing support systems in countries like the Czech Republic and Poland, the PS proposal seeks to offer a more efficient alternative to broad energy subsidies. The party argues that such blanket subsidies can strain public finances without effectively reaching the most vulnerable. By focusing on a more direct and needs-based approach, this new benefit could potentially alleviate poverty and provide much-needed relief to over half a million individuals in Slovakia.

“

Návrh podľa poslancov PS reaguje na zhoršujúcu sa sociálno-ekonomickú situáciu.