Home seekers in the municipality of Coevorden should have many more opportunities on the housing market in the coming years. At least half of all new houses to be built must eventually be available for its own residents.
With that starting point, the Coevorden municipal council tightened things up last night. The mayor and aldermen must investigate what municipal options are available to give priority to home seekers with a local connection when allocating social housing and new-build homes. The CDA faction submitted a proposal to this effect, which was adopted unanimously.
“Let’s show courage now with such a decision,” said Sandra Katerberg (CDA). According to her, many residents are now forced to leave the municipality because they cannot find suitable housing. The council’s task is to find out what options the municipality has. “A new housing law is being introduced nationally, which will give us options in this area.”
Paulien Blaauwgeers (PAC) supported Katerberg. “In fact, more is needed than just priority for our own residents. The houses that are offered must also be priced such that our own residents can actually afford those homes.” She suggested that we also look at this within the municipal rules.
Councilor Steven Stegen (BBC2014) described the CDA plan as ‘sympathetic’, but also identified a risk. “Because if you include local ties as a condition when allocating houses, the target group for a particular project becomes smaller. And that could potentially influence the feasibility of a new construction project.”
At this point, the VVD faction in particular initially had some hesitations about the CDA plan. Ultimately, the Liberals voted in favor. “But let’s hope that this new principle does not slow down the current process of housing construction,” said Bert Albring (VVD).