Russian residents who receive government support are expected to pay significantly less for housing and communal services, with reductions ranging from about 30% to 50% compared to the standard rates. This potential change was reported by the newspaper News, citing information from the Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation. The idea behind this policy is to target fiscal assistance where it is most needed, easing the burden on those who rely on state support to cover essential living costs. By tying subsidies to the level of assistance a citizen qualifies for, the approach aims to ensure that relief is proportionate to need while maintaining accountability within the system.
The ministry explained to the publication that, in line with the principle of targeted expenditure of budget funds, a resident receiving a certain degree of state support will pay 30-50% less than the cost of services, depending on their preferential category. This discount will be verified through a registered electronic certificate and, at the time of payment, will be logged in a government service provider register to facilitate subsequent mutual agreements between the government and the service provider. The process is designed to be transparent and auditable, ensuring that discounts are properly applied and recorded for future reference.
According to the department, the payment flow will change so that subsidies are directed not to the consumer directly, but into the account of the service provider. In practice, Russians will still receive state assistance when paying for housing and communal services, but the financial support will flow through the service provider’s accounts. The Ministry of Construction indicated that the service should begin operating no later than 2024, with ongoing monitoring to assess its effectiveness and any necessary adjustments. The timeline reflects an intent to modernize how subsidies are delivered and to reduce administrative friction in the system.
It is noted that discounts in the payment of housing and communal services will be offered to federal preferential categories of the population, including veterans of the Great Patriotic War, disabled individuals, and veterans of labor. By extending eligibility to these groups, the program seeks to preserve social protection for those with heightened needs while aligning with broader social policy goals. The policy is also framed as part of a wider effort to improve the affordability of living costs for vulnerable populations and to promote more stable payment behavior among service users.
The Ministry of Construction added that the innovation will contribute to the collection and reduction of debts for housing and communal services. By ensuring that discounts are correctly issued and recorded, the system aims to limit arrears and create a clearer financial picture for households and service providers alike. The development is presented as a step toward greater efficiency in public financing, improved data accuracy, and stronger compliance with budgetary rules while maintaining consistent support for those in need. This integrated approach is intended to create a safer, more predictable environment for both families and utility firms as they navigate rising costs and changing policy requirements.