City housing policy proposes income bracket increase from R10 000 to R15 000 to help beneficiaries

Members of the public have a week to comment on the proposed changes to the City of Cape Town’s Allocation Policy: Housing Opportunities (2015). The proposed changes to the policy relate to the selection of qualifying beneficiaries and the allocation of various types of State-subsidised housing opportunities within the city. The comment period will close on 21 July 2020.

Qualifying beneficiaries, who are registered on the City’s Housing Database, are empowered and benefit from a fair and transparent process. Image credit: SA Affordable Housing

The proposed changes aim to expedite certain decision-making processes and further enhance allocation fairness and transparency when allocating State-subsidised housing opportunities including Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses, Council rental housing and the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP). It must be noted the housing allocation process as outlined in the policy is strictly controlled and transparent and it is in line with various national and provincial human settlements-related laws and policies that are in place.

Some of the proposed changes include:

• Expedited decision-making processes in certain instances
• Consideration of anti-social behaviour of prospective tenants when applying for Council rental housing
• Income bracket increase from R10 000 to R15 000 per month when applying for new Council rental housing

Members of the public are encouraged to be part of the process by looking through the proposed changes and commenting. All inputs received during the public participation process will be considered and responded to.

“As a City, we are mindful of the acute need for housing opportunities across the metro. We have to ensure that we look at the housing market and that our policies reflect the conditions on the ground. The needs of our residents must be identified and must be reflected in our policies.

“Given the complex context in which the provision of housing opportunities exists, it is important that when State-subsidised housing is available, our policies ensure that qualifying beneficiaries, who are registered on the City’s Housing Database, are empowered and benefit from a fair and transparent process. Clear policy also expedites the provision of housing opportunities. The proposed changes to the policy aim to do just that and we encourage all interested members of the public to have their say,” says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi.

Public participation process

Information about the policy and public participation process is available at www.capetown.gov.za/Haveyoursay

Submit comments in writing:

• Email: Hspolicy.Research@capetown.gov.za
• Have Your Say portal: www.capetown.gov.za/Haveyoursay
• By hand at selected sub-council offices

The City’s Public Participation Unit will assist people who cannot read or write, people with disabilities and people from disadvantaged groups who are unable to submit written comments to have their views or recommendations recorded and submitted to the City. Please contact 021 400 5501 for assistance.