Support for the SPÖ

Social welfare associations back SPÖ on housing benefit

For many people, housing is barely affordable (symbolic photo).

(Bild: Anna - stock.adobe.com)

The Tyrolean SPÖ has faced a lot of political headwind - from its coalition partner ÖVP, but also from the opposition with the exception of the Greens - for its demand to abolish the qualifying period for housing subsidies. However, LHStv. Georg Dornauer (SPÖ) is not alone in his desire to abolish the waiting period.

He is supported by the Social Policy Working Group (SPAK), which includes no less than all of Tyrol's social welfare associations - from Aranea and DOWAS to the Red Cross - as well as Tirol Kliniken and Volkshilfe, to name but a few. In an open letter, they support LHStv. Dornauer and demand "rent subsidy from day one".

Immense inflation as the reason
The reason for this is the immense inflation - the costs for housing, water and energy have risen by 25 percent since 2021. "SPAK supports and recommends the abolition of the entitlement to rent subsidy based on its insights into the lives of people at risk of poverty," it clearly states in an open letter.

In addition to inflation, the inadequate regulation of rents through tenancy law is the main reason for the sharp rise in rents.

Sozialpolitischer Arbeitskreis (SPAK)

"Of the 310 million euros promised in 2023, only 6.5 percent was spent on subsidies. In times like these, it seems appropriate to place a stronger emphasis on the social issue, away from private property subsidies."