Lu Hsiu-yen: Social Housing is Crucial for Housing Justice, Urges Central Government to Join Construction Efforts

By Central News Agency reporter Chao Li-yan, Taichung, October 10

Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen stated today that social housing is closely tied to housing justice. In response to reports suggesting the central government may stop building social housing after 2027, she urged the central authority to rethink its position and work hand-in-hand with local governments to continue construction.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-affiliated Taichung City Councilor Chen Shu-hua pointed out during a city council session that in recent years, the Taichung City Government has sold off land, driving up land prices and fueling a rise in housing prices. She called for a review of the slow pace of social housing construction compared to developers' speculative activities.

Kuomintang (KMT)-affiliated Taichung City Councilor Liu Shih-chou questioned whether the central government’s reported decision to halt social housing construction next year would impact local development plans.

In response, Mayor Lu explained that the central government originally planned to build 130,000 social housing units nationwide. Of the 30,000 units already completed or under construction, all were initiated by local governments. With young people and vulnerable groups counting on these developments, she urged the central government to reconsider and adhere to the original plan, emphasizing the need for collaboration between central and local authorities.

Acting Director Li Cheng-wei of Taichung’s Urban Development Bureau stated that only through public sector investment can housing justice be effectively guaranteed, ensuring maximum protection within market mechanisms. If public funds are directed solely toward rental subsidies or rental management programs, the government can only offer limited assistance—such as financial aid or tax incentives—relying on private landlords and tenants to fill the current gap in social housing supply. This approach cannot reliably guarantee lease duration, rental prices, or living quality.

(Edited by Li Ming-tsung) 1150810