This means that the annual expenditure has fallen by around 8.2 million euros from 62.7 million to 54.5 million euros, said director Friedrich Pammer on Wednesday. He also considers an analysis of the housing situation necessary, since the supply of small apartments is too scarce.Linz. According to the study, most recipients are older than 50 and live in single-person households. According to the law, the state supports a maximum of 45 square meters of an apartment for single people. The aid amounts to a maximum of 166.50 euros per month, according to the law. In fact, the average size is 52 square meters.
In addition, the examiners found that the demand for smaller apartments was greater than the supply. “We are therefore suggesting a project in which the real living and income conditions of the population are analyzed. Then it can also be defined which groups should be supported and how,” said Pammer.
It was more or less impossible for the LRH to check the goals pursued with the housing allowance. Because there is no clear definition of what is meant by “creating affordable housing”. “We recommend that the housing promotion department set measurable goals and effects,” stated the LRH director.
Deputy Governor Manfred Haimbuchner (FPÖ), who is responsible for housing assistance, emphasized that this service had been “adapted to social and economic changes”. “Even in challenging times like the Corona pandemic, the housing allowance provided targeted and quick support to Upper Austrian families, single parents and pensioners in covering their housing costs and securing their housing situation.” At the turn of the year, for example, a cost-of-living allowance will be introduced for housing assistance due to the sharp increase in the cost of living. Financial support to cushion inflation, increased income due to higher performance, such as overtime, do not lead to a reduction in housing benefit, he said.
Source: Nachrichten
