The government came under mounting pressure on Thursday to overhaul its land allocation plan for low-income families, as MPs called for greater transparency and accountability in how land is distributed.

The issue took centre stage at the House audit committee during a debate on the Audit Office’s 2022 report, which flagged multiple cases where the plan’s criteria were either violated or applied inconsistently.

Following the session, House audit committee chairman and Diko MP Zacharias Koulias voiced concerns over irregularities in the scheme. He stated that the interior ministry had been asked to clarify whether these breaches were justified or if special exceptions had been made.

“Admittedly, this programme has supported many generations of struggling families,” he said. 

“But with housing affordability worsening, it is crucial to reassess how land is allocated.”

Koulias stressed the need for a comprehensive housing programme to be presented within three months, noting that the attorney-general’s office is currently reviewing proposed changes to the plan’s eligibility criteria.

He also urged the interior minister and the director general of the ministry to appear before the committee to outline the government’s broader housing policy. One of the key recommendations put forward was increasing building heights to maximise urban land use while protecting rural areas.

“This measure must be adopted urgently, given the severity of the housing crisis,” he said.

Disy MP Savia Orphanidou echoed these concerns, warning that the plan has faced significant implementation challenges.

“The most important thing is to revise the plan as soon as possible so that it can genuinely help tackle the housing crisis,” she said, adding that legal reviews are already underway.

She criticised the government’s approach, arguing that the crisis cannot be addressed without more decisive action. 

“Despite various measures, the crisis continues to deepen,” she warned.

Orphanidou urged the government to prioritise housing policy over discretionary spending, arguing that resources should be redirected towards solutions that directly address the issue.

Akel MP Christos Christofides took a stronger stance, expressing frustration over what he described as a lack of clear guidelines. He warned that the absence of strict criteria had led to selective or even arbitrary decision-making.

“When the rules are unclear, there’s always a risk of mismanagement, whether due to good intentions, social sensitivity, or, in some cases, personal interest,” he said.

He called on the Council of Ministers to clarify the regulations and ensure that provincial administrations follow them strictly.

Independent MP Alexandra Attalides also stressed the importance of fair and transparent procedures, warning that the current lack of oversight was leaving many vulnerable families without access to housing.

“Stronger controls and clearer rules will give beneficiaries real hope,” she said. 

“We must act now to strengthen social cohesion and prevent more families from slipping below the poverty line.”