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 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 people on rent under a rent agreement, at a rate no higher than defined in a related regulation that will drafted for the purpose.
The allowance will be provided on a monthly basis.
The bill also highlights categories of people who will be prioritized in issuing housing. These include:
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
Furthermore, the bill states that the applicants' financial situation and living conditions must be determined before social housing may be provided, and it outlines implementation
