Municipal councillor Lorents Burman (S) says that parts of what Fastighetsägarna is asking for can be considered minor changes and therefore may not even need an exemption from the regulations in the Planning and Building Act, which is not easy for a municipality to circumvent.
– For example, ventilation and fire risk codes need to be adhered to, but the other issues can be solved easily. With a lot of collaborative and fast-moving measures, I absolutely believe that we can find good solutions, he says.
– There can be quick solutions, although some issues are more complicated and others the municipality does not have the legal right to make exceptions to, he continues.
– But I absolutely believe that we can find attic spaces that can be quickly converted into accommodation.
The municipality has not been in contact with Fastighetsägarna on this issue, but he says that Northvolt has been approached.
– But we are also part of the discussion, and we know their thoughts on the housing issue.
He also says that the municipality has had meetings with both individual property owners and the industry association, as well as with Northvolt.
– In general, we have a good and continuous dialog with the landlords, and every potential housing unit is very important for the existing needs.
Burman also says that measures must be taken now to "overcome this permafrost" that has affected the construction industry, and that the government must take measures by October 1 at the latest.
– VAT on construction should be significantly reduced, and government loan guarantees should be provided to the banks who are not lending to construction companies. In this way the projects can be started.
Then some form of investment subsidy must be introduced.
– We don't have time to argue about it. The public sector needs stimulus support.
Norran has previously reported that Skellefteå could be part of a targeted housing package. Lorents Burman says that the government coordinator, Peter Larsson, who will coordinate how to deal with development in northern Sweden, is "exactly right" about what needs to be done.
– What he is proposing is exactly what is needed. It's urgently needed - it's needed now, and he seems to be signaling that, he says, and continues:
– I don't know what the support will be or when it will arrive, but his work must not be in vain.