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| The 9th session of the 15th National Assembly passed a Resolution on social housing - opening up opportunities for workers. |
• EXPECTATIONS FROM SPECIAL POLICIES
The resolution includes 14 specific provisions, which will be piloted for 5 years nationwide. This is an important step forward, demonstrating the National Assembly's determination to solve the problem of social housing shortage, especially in large cities and industrial zones with a large concentration of workers. One of the highlights of the resolution is the delegation of initiative to localities in determining beneficiaries. This will be based on practical factors such as travel distance, traffic infrastructure conditions, regional characteristics, etc., thereby ensuring that the policy is applied flexibly, in accordance with the needs and conditions of each locality.
The most notable content in the resolution is the proposal to establish the National Housing Fund - a non-budgetary state financial fund, operating not for profit, with independent legal status. This is considered a fundamental solution, creating a long-term, stable and sustainable source of capital for social housing development. This fund will be formed from many sources: state budget; money from land auctions; from the sale of public housing; and especially voluntary contributions from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals. The fund will be used to invest in the construction of social housing, technical and social infrastructure systems, and support the creation of housing for workers, officials, civil servants and laborers.
Many National Assembly deputies have made comments and suggestions that are very practical and that one of the biggest obstacles in the development of social housing over the years has been cumbersome and inconsistent administrative procedures. In order to overcome this situation, the resolution boldly proposed to remove a series of steps in the construction investment process, such as: establishing, appraising, and approving detailed planning tasks; appraising feasibility study reports; exempting construction permits if using approved sample designs. In particular, the time for carrying out procedures for approving investment policies and assigning investors is shortened to a maximum of 75 days, instead of more than 200 days as at present. This is a "procedural breakthrough" change, promising to speed up the progress of delayed projects.
• FLEXIBLE AND TRANSPARENT INVESTMENT MECHANISM
Instead of being forced to organize bidding like commercial projects, social housing projects and housing for the People's Armed Forces that do not use public capital will be allowed to designate investors. This not only simplifies procedures, but also helps select investors with enough capacity, enthusiasm, and willingness to accompany the policy for a long time.
The determination of selling and leasing prices for social housing is also assigned to investors, provided that they comply with legal regulations and are publicly inspected and audited. If the actual cost is lower than the price signed with the buyer, the difference must be refunded; if it is higher, the investor cannot collect more. This mechanism aims to ensure the rights of the people and at the same time avoid negative consequences.
• AIMING FOR 1 MILLION SOCIAL HOUSING APARTMENTS
The Government has set a target of building 1 million social housing apartments by 2030. However, the current implementation speed is still slow due to many barriers both in terms of law and resources. With the passage of this resolution, great expectations are placed on the ability to remove bottlenecks and expand development space for social housing. A new point is that agencies such as the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security can proactively assign investors of housing projects to the armed forces, after reaching an agreement with the locality. This contributes to the reasonable reallocation of resources and being more proactive in the organization and implementation. It can be seen that housing is not only an essential need, but also a prerequisite for retaining workers and stabilizing human resources for industrial parks and large urban areas. Promoting investment in social housing, especially housing for workers, will create long-term stability for the labor market. Many businesses are currently facing difficulties because workers have to rent houses far away, travel inconveniently, affecting labor productivity and long-term commitment. Therefore, the policy allowing state-owned enterprises and administrative agencies to rent social housing for employees is also a step in the right direction, demonstrating a long-term vision.
The National Assembly’s approval of the pilot resolution on specific mechanisms and policies for social housing is not just a simple legislative act. It is the State’s commitment to ensuring social security and protecting the right to live and settle down of millions of workers. This resolution will be the foundation for a sustainable social housing development ecosystem - where every citizen, regardless of low or high income, has the right to dream and realize a home close to work, with full amenities, and at a reasonable price.
Source: https://baolamdong.vn/xa-hoi/202506/mo-ra-co-hoi-moi-ve-nha-o-cho-nguoi-lao-dong-a521dd1/
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