The government met today to discuss its first budget. Now is the time for constructive decisions, because the situation in the construction industry is alarming. One quick way to increase the start of repair projects is to extend the household deduction to also apply to housing associations.
The goal of the working group set up by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of the Environment in September is to assess the cyclical situation of housing construction and its impact on economic development. The working group has discussed expanding the household deduction to cover housing associations as one way.
"The need to repair residential buildings is up to eight billion euros, and the need increases every year as our building stock ages. We have long pushed for the extension of the household deduction, as it would promote employment, equality and the energy efficiency of the real estate stock, and reduce the worrisome repair debt", CEO of LVI-Tekniset Urakoitsijat LVI-TU ry Mika Hokkanen says.
The very challenging cyclical situation in the construction industry and the tighter financing taps of housing companies are slowing down even necessary repairs. The current situation also puts the members of housing associations in an unjustifiably unequal position compared to single-family residents.
"Taking care of your own home and supporting it should not depend on the type of living. The extension of the household deduction would effectively promote the implementation of renovations and the equality of households2, Hokkanen states.
More information
CEO Mika Hokkanen, mika.hokkanen@lvi-tu.fi, tel. 050 448 1411
Communications Manager Pipsa Hiltunen, pipsa.hiltunen@lvi-tu.fi, tel. 0400 287 939
Caption: Functional building technology saves energy and increases living comfort
Photo: LVI-TU/Katri Haavisto, Sielukas Media