Russian lawmaker Alexander Vysokinsky has spoken out against cancelling existing housing and utility payment discounts for citizens, arguing that state benefits must not be revoked.
Speaking in an interview with the TASS news agency, the deputy chairman of the Federation Council committee on federal structure stated that discounts already granted to various categories of Russians should remain untouched.
Vysokinsky said that existing benefits are sacred, adding that once the state has granted these discounts, it cannot withdraw them. He noted that utility support is currently assigned by category regardless of an individual's financial situation, and suggested transitioning in the future to a system of personalized support targeted at those in need.
Under his proposal, citizens earning less than established income standards could apply through a public services centre for the state to cover a portion of their housing and utility costs. He said this approach would ensure assistance reaches those who genuinely require financial help.
Current utility subsidies in Russia
Housing and utility discounts in Russia are currently provided to several designated groups, including pensioners, people with disabilities, and families with multiple children.
Russian citizens can also claim a state subsidy if their utility bills exceed a specific percentage of their total family income. This threshold varies across regions, averaging 22 percent nationally, while standing at 10 percent in Moscow and 14 percent in Saint Petersburg.
Housing and utility payments, known in Russia as ZHKH or ZHKU, cover essential residential services such as heating, water, electricity, and municipal building management. The Federation Council, where Vysokinsky serves, acts as the upper house of the Russian parliament, representing the country's federal regions.
Earlier proposals and statutory exemptions
Earlier, Alexander Aksenenko, deputy chairman of the State Duma committee on construction and housing and utilities, noted that Heroes of the Soviet Union and Heroes of the Russian Federation are entitled to full compensation for their utility bills.
The State Duma is the lower house of Russia's parliament, responsible for drafting federal legislation on housing, economy, and social welfare. Titles such as Hero of the Russian Federation and Hero of the Soviet Union represent the highest state distinctions in Russia, carrying statutory rights to full coverage of housing costs.
