A recent proposal in Parliament aims to provide much-needed help to low-income Bahraini families by excluding everyday allowances from income assessments for housing support. The proposal, supported by Parliament’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee, seeks to ensure that allowances such as cost-of-living and travel bonuses are not considered as income when determining eligibility for housing support or setting monthly payments. The goal is to base these decisions solely on basic pay, allowing these allowances to be used for their intended purpose of covering day-to-day expenses.
Discussions between MPs, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, and legal advisors have been held to carefully consider how this change would be implemented. Currently, all regular earnings, including allowances, are included in income checks for housing assistance. However, the ministry is considering a change that would exempt these allowances, giving families the ability to use them for their daily needs rather than for housing payments.
Committee chair MP Hisham Abdulaziz Al Awadi supports the proposal, emphasizing the importance of allowing allowances to be used for everyday expenses instead of housing costs. MPs like Dr Hisham Al Ashiri and Bader Saleh Al Tamimi, who introduced the idea, view it as a step towards Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to support those most in need. If approved, this change could enable more Bahrainis to qualify for housing assistance without having to sacrifice funds meant for daily living.
Overall, this proposal reflects a practical and compassionate approach to addressing housing needs in Bahrain. It demonstrates a shared goal between Parliament and the government to implement policies that genuinely benefit the people. By allowing low-income families to retain their allowances for daily expenses while still receiving housing support, this initiative aims to ensure that those who need assistance the most are not left behind. It is a positive step towards creating a more equitable and supportive housing system for all Bahrainis.
