Minister Inga Sæland has appointed a task force to tackle housing challenges through emergency measures and long-term reforms.
Proposing long-term solutions
The Minister of Social Affairs and Housing, Inga Sæland, has appointed a task force to implement emergency measures in housing policy and propose long-term improvements.
The group includes three members of Parliament, one from each coalition party, along with representatives from the ministry and the Housing and Construction Authority. The task force will operate throughout the current parliamentary term in alignment with the new government’s priorities.
Increasing the availability of affordable housing
As noted in an announcement on the government’s website, the task force’s primary role is to assess challenges in the housing sector and propose solutions. Its goal is to ensure housing security and equality while stabilising the housing market.
“We committed to emergency housing measures in the government’s policy statement, as the current situation in the housing market cannot wait. At the same time, it is crucial that the task force looks ahead, putting forward long-term solutions and structural reforms to create a healthier housing market. We intend to launch a nationwide initiative to expand housing construction, focusing on increasing the supply of affordable housing and strengthening housing security,” Minister Inga Sæland stated in the announcement.
Amending regulations on short-term rentals
As reported by BB.is, Inga Sæland spoke at an open meeting hosted by the Housing and Construction Authority in January. At the meeting, she stated that one of the first actions the government planned to take was to amend regulations on short-term housing rentals.
“It is unbearably painful to see thousands of apartments used for short-term rentals while there is a general housing shortage. Too many families are forced to relocate multiple times a year, uprooting their children, changing schools, and living without any security. We intend to change that. We will ensure that our people have a roof over their heads. That is the foundation of a good and just society. Those with lower incomes also have the right to stable housing,” Inga remarked.
Five-member task force
The task force’s work is based on the coalition government’s policy statement, as well as the existing housing policy action plan, which was approved by Parliament last summer.
Task Force Members:
Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson, MP for the People’s Party, Chair
Dagur B. Eggertsson, MP for the Social Democratic Alliance
Guðbrandur Einarsson, MP for the Reform Party
Lísa Margrét Sigurðardóttir, Lawyer at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing
Anna Guðmunda Ingvarsdóttir, Deputy Director of the Housing and Construction Authority
