Andorra Parish Councils Back Affordable Housing Bill but Demand Tax Coordination

Andorra's parish councils have expressed support for a government bill to promote private investment in affordable rental housing but are calling for greater collaboration, particularly on proposed tax and fee reductions they must implement.

Housing Minister Conxita Marsol presented the legislation on Wednesday. On Thursday morning, Cerni Cairat, lead consul of Sant Julià de Lòria, spoke for the seven parish councils, welcoming the measures while urging prior coordination with local authorities.

"We agree to work on facilitating access to affordable housing," Cairat said. He noted disappointment that some elements had not been developed jointly beforehand but confirmed the parishes' willingness to participate.

Cairat highlighted the need to fully assess the scope of planned reductions in taxes, fees, and urban land cessions. Under the proposal, developers committing homes to affordable rentals for 15 years would receive these benefits from parish councils. Sant Julià de Lòria already applies a 90% discount on construction taxes for such projects, but other aspects remain under review.

The parishes want to negotiate these details with the government before implementation. Cairat cited the bill to underscore the urgency of a formal coordination law between parishes, the government, and the General Council, especially for urban planning matters.

"This shows how necessary a coordination law is between administrations on legislative issues," he said. Such a framework would ensure parish input shapes bills before they reach the General Council. No timeline for resolving the outstanding issues has been announced.