The Latvian government has approved a bill to increase housing support coefficients to aid residents in paying heating bills from January to April 2026, amid opposition from local authorities and employer associations.
In a recent emergency meeting, the Latvian government approved a bill that will amend the Social Services and Social Assistance Law to enhance housing support coefficients for the winter period of 2026, specifically from January 1 to April 30. This decision was met with significant resistance from the Latvian Association of Local Governments and the Latvian Employers' Confederation, who expressed concerns that the bill would further strain municipal resources. Additionally, Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze suggested postponing the discussion for a week to allow for further evaluation.
The approved legislation aims to increase the coefficient for individuals living alone who are of retirement age or have disabilities from 2.1 to 2.5. For households consisting solely of retirement-age individuals or individuals with disabilities, as well as those households with children in this demographic, the coefficient will be raised from 1.7 to 2. Meanwhile, all other households will see an increase from 1.3 to 1.7. This adjustment is expected to significantly impact the number of housing support recipients during the designated timeframe, with estimates indicating an increase from 33,040 to 40,611 individuals requiring assistance.
This decision underscores the Latvian government's acknowledgment of the mounting financial pressures faced by citizens due to rising energy costs, and it reflects ongoing discussions regarding the adequacy of social support systems in place. By adjusting the housing aid parameters, the government aims to alleviate some of the fiscal burdens on vulnerable populations, especially during harsh winter months, while navigating potential pushback from local governments that are worried about the fiscal implications of this expanded support.
