This Peer Review discussed effective social or affordable housing legislation and policies, as well as the role of public and non-profit actors in the implementation of housing policies, supporting people at risk of social exclusion.

The event focused on the

• definition of social housing in Member States
• identification of target groups and
• implementation of social housing policies

Participants also discussed how to support and empower service users and provide personalised support.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs hosted experts from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway. In addition, representatives from the European Commission, as well as international and national experts put the topic in a wider EU policy context.

Background

In the Czech Republic, the number of people experiencing homelessness are estimated to range between 30 000 and 68 000. The main problems in the Czech Republic are

• a shortage of social housing
• indebtedness of housing cooperatives and
• inadequate housing

Emergency housing is available for people on low income and other vulnerable groups (people returning from institutional care, long-term unemployed, single parents and their children, older people or ethnic minorities).

These issues are addressed in a strategic way through the ‘Social housing concept of the Czech Republic 2015-2025' and municipal pilots within the ‘Social housing support project’.

However, the Czech Republic does not have a comprehensive regulation on affordable or social housing, defining the role of the state and municipalities in housing policy in relation to social exclusion, including people experiencing homelessness.

The peer review will inform the development of a Social Housing Act in the Czech Republic.