Conceptual directions for reforming Ukraine’s housing policy
Destroyed housing in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Photo credits: Kharkiv City.
Meeting of the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Youth and Sports
20 November, 2023
Reforming Ukraine’s housing policy
On November 20, 2023, the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Youth and Sports held a meeting to present their conceptual directions for reforming the state housing policy. The new draft Law of Ukraine "On the Fundamental Principles of the State Housing Policy," will be based on the primary goal of ensuring the right to housing for every person, regardless of their health, age, financial situation, or other limitations. Discussions on the policy reform were developed by a working group of the Ministry of Restoration under the framework of the UN4UkrainianCities project, in collaboration with international organizations and consultants from the UNECE.
At the meeting, UNECE consultants Ms. Nataliia Korotchenko and Mr. Serhii Komnatnyi emphasized that housing policy should be based on experience, comprehensive and reliable statistical data, reporting, and broad public discussion on all aspects of housing policy. In order to assist with the implementation of a new housing policy, it has been suggested that the country replace norms of the outdated Housing Code with a new law.
The law unpacked
In particular, the new law aims to define the general principles of state housing policy based on the needs of local citizens, the necessity of territorial development, and should provide additional support for vulnerable citizens who face housing related obstacles. In its implementation, it has been suggested that the law adopt modern, transparent, and open digital approaches.
To achieve this goal, the draft of the new law to define the fundamental principles of housing policy, proposes to outline the following main principles:
Transparency and civic participation
Strategic planning and accountability
Fairness, affordability, and equal access of housing for everyone
Regarding the structure of the draft law, the Committee’s recommendations focus on four main aspects:
The need to form appropriate housing funds
Digitization of all processes involved in solving housing issues, ensuring their openness and transparency
Mechanisms for citizens to resolve housing issues
Issues of guarantees and protection of the right to housing
The team is convinced that the effective and consistent implementation of the draft Law will allow for building a stable housing policy in Ukraine.