The province is preparing to intervene in the conflict between the municipalities in the Rotterdam region and Ridderkerk. South Holland appreciates Ridderkerks strong commitment to social rental housing but sees that its own housing allocation system does not solve the housing shortage.
The provincial government of South Holland has decided to prepare for administrative intervention. This would keep Ridderkerk part of a joint housing allocation system, a kind of Funda for social rental homes. The other 11 municipalities in the Rotterdam region have long been asking the province to do this.
The province sees that Ridderkerk has relatively many social rental homes and continues to build them, which is highly appreciated at the provincial office. At the same time, it becomes more difficult for housing seekers to obtain a social rental home with Ridderkerks plans. Both people from outside the municipality looking for a place, and Ridderkerk residents trying to find a place in the region. According to the provincial government, this cannot be the intention.
New Step
The decision on possible intervention is a new step by South Holland. Former mayor of Barendrecht, Jan van Belzen, was previously appointed to find a solution. He will soon present his findings. South Hollands preparations align with this. If a solution cannot be found, action can be taken immediately.
“Ultimately, we all want the same thing,” explains Deputy for Housing Anne Koning. “To ensure that people find a good home faster and more easily. We are really afraid that Ridderkerks measures make it harder to find a good social rental home. It does not reduce the housing crisis, not even for Ridderkerk residents. Nobody really wants that.”
