Housing Finance Bill Deferred for Two Weeks Pending Further Review

TDT | Manama

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The Council of Representatives has postponed for two weeks further consideration of a draft law aimed at linking housing plot allocations with government build financing, following divergent views between MPs and the Government over its necessity and potential impact on housing delivery.

The proposal seeks to amend Decree Law No. 10 of 1976 on housing by adding a new paragraph to Article One, requiring the ministry concerned with housing affairs to grant financing to citizens allocated housing plots so they can construct homes on the land provided. The amendment would also empower the responsible minister to issue a decision setting out the conditions and controls governing the award of such financing.

Supporters of the draft law argued that the postponement would allow space for further legal and policy examination, while reiterating that the proposal aims to translate constitutional principles on housing into tangible outcomes. They maintained that allocating land without accompanying financial support often leaves low income families unable to build, effectively prolonging waiting periods rather than resolving housing needs.

The Council’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee recommended approval in principle, while introducing drafting changes to avoid embedding specific ministerial titles in the legislation. References to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning were replaced with broader terms, such as the ministry and minister concerned with housing affairs, to ensure legislative continuity in the event of future government restructuring.

The Government, however, cautioned against proceeding without further scrutiny. It argued that amending ministerial titles within the law offered no practical benefit and could necessitate repeated legislative changes whenever portfolios are reorganised. It also stated that the objectives of the proposal could already be achieved under existing legislation, following amendments introduced in 2024 that allow the minister to add housing services by decision across housing programmes.