Source: CCTV.com

03-17-2008 11:23

Special Report:   2008 NPC & CPPCC sessions

Another one of the hottest topics at this year's annual NPC and CPPCC sessions was how to provide more housing for low income families. And Premier Wen Jiabao has promised 6.8 billion yuan in housing allowances for this year, a 15 percent jump from 2007.

Another one of the hottest topics at this year's annual NPC and CPPCC sessions was how to provide more housing for low  income families. (Photo: soufun.com)

In Qingdao, a coastal city in eastern China, apartments the city center are sold at 8000 yuan per square meter. But low income residents can now rent them at as low as 100 yuan per month.

Li Fengying, Qingdao resident said "When our community office called and told me that I got a low-rent apartment, I was so glad that I could not sleep. "

Li was so happy because if it was not because of the city government's allowance it would never be possible for her to afford buying or even renting an apartment in the city center. In Qingdao over 30,000 low income residents are hoping to be as lucky as Li. And in order to help them, it will cost the local government over 3 billion yuan in land revenues.

Beijing is also promoting affordable housing schemes, and NPC members were pleased to find out the local government is taking strict measures to ensure only low income residents could get budget apartments.

Li Ming, NPC Deputy said "It's good that local housing authorities disclose the information of applicants so the public can supervise it."

Guangzhou in south China is also promoting "three-limit" apartments. Limitations apply on applicants' income, the floor area of apartments and the location of the apartments. The measures are carried out to ensure only low salary earners can benefit from the government's subsidies.

 

Editor:Xiong Qu