Thousands of people struggle to find housing in Norway. The government’s plan to solve the problem includes increasing municipalities’ responsibilities in ensuring everyone has a roof over their head.
In early December 2020, Norway’s government proposed a new law outlining new responsibilities for municipalities regarding social housing.
To find out more about the proposal in general, and what its current status is, we spoke to State Secretary Heidi Karin Nakken, of the Ministry of Local Government and Modernization.
How many people are currently affected?
“Approximately 179,000 people are regarded as disadvantaged in the housing market in Norway, based on data from Statistics Norway.
Around 3,900 persons have no permanent place to live, and are counted as homeless.”
What is the goal of the proposed bill?
“The Ministry of Local Government and Modernization sent a bill proposal on public hearing on December 2, 2020.
“The bill proposal clarifies the municipalities’ responsibilities to advise people who need support from the local government.
“It also concretizes the importance of implementing social housing in planning strategies at the local level.”
Why does the government think it’s important that municipalities take more responsibility?
“The municipalities play an important role in providing advice and guidance to those disadvantaged in the housing market.
“They provide suitable housing and financial support and are responsible for implementing local community measures.
“The bill proposal suggests that the county governor can supervise that the municipalities are fulfilling their duties to advise those disadvantaged in the housing market.”
In addition to the bill, the government has drawn up a new social housing strategy that, among other things, plans to eliminate homelessness. Could you explain the strategy for this?
“The government’s goal is that everyone should have a safe and good home. The bill proposal is a part of the new strategy for social housing policy for the period of 2021-2024.
“The strategy ‘Everyone needs a safe home’ lines up the tools and measures for social housing policy in Norway.
“Most people have good housing conditions in Norway, but there are still people that need support. The strategy lines out 4 main goals:
1. More people should be able to own their home
2. Renting a home shall be an equal alternative to owning a home
3. Social sustainability in housing policy
4. There should be clear roles and necessary knowledge and competence”
How will these measures directly impact the lives of those who are homeless or struggling to get housing?
“Some groups in society are more vulnerable in the housing market than others.
“In the strategy period, the government will especially focus on people who are at risk of being homeless, children and youth, and people with disabilities.”
Source: Norway Today
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