Housing Minister Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan has set out a strategy to tackle the housing shortage by building more, faster, and better. Her proposal lists fifty action points, though many of these were already known. The measures stem from a task force of government officials who have held consultations on housing since the Jetten cabinet took office.
In part, the D66 minister is continuing initiatives launched under previous administrations, such as simplifying regulations and encouraging room rentals (hospitaverhuur). The document also incorporates policies developed by other cabinet colleagues, including emergency legislation to tackle power grid congestion and the government’s nitrogen plans.
Several proposals are listed multiple times. For instance, at least five action points focus on large-scale housing sites where central government will support the construction of thousands of homes. Other points lean towards research or remain abstract, such as taking a more integrated approach to area development.
New steps introduced by Boekholt-O’Sullivan emphasise closer cooperation with local authorities, businesses, and civil society organisations. For example, joint working between municipalities and housing associations will carry greater weight when allocating certain subsidies. The government also intends to use administrative escalation mechanisms more frequently to break deadlocks when disputes arise.
In her foreword, the minister noted that all parties in the chain are now actively involved, adding that the government will step in where necessary through funding, leadership, and simplified rules.
