Opening the session the President noted the importance of increasing the volumes of construction and supply on the housing market. It is also necessary to have effective mechanisms capable of inciting construction companies to produce inexpensive, large-scale housing.
The President emphasised that among the various sectoral, organisational and legal decisions, those relating to the struggle against inflation are extremely important. In addition, it is important to ensure a systematic state policy designed to increase the incomes of Russian citizens and diminish the number of poor people in Russia. Alongside increasing housing construction we must develop the mortgage system and other forms of credit designed for citizens with low incomes.
Vladimir Putin asked that all possibilities for lowering the cost of housing be examined. This process must be supported by subsidising interest rates in a competent way, co-financing infrastructure, expanding low-rise housing construction and providing credit guarantees for builders.
In Vladimir Putin’s opinion, the report presented by the State Council on working group for the event confirms that progress in housing policy and in modernising housing and communal services exists precisely in those regions where the authorities are actively looking for local resources and harmoniously cooperating with business and investors.
The President asked State Council members to pay attention to other, similar attempts and to formulate specific proposals following the completion of the work.
Vladimir Putin also held a working meeting with the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mintimer Shaimiyev.
Mintimer Shaimiyev informed Vladimir Putin on how Tatarstan developed in 2006 and also talked about plans for 2007, in particular the development prospects of the automobile industry.