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Families with three and more children may be exempted from paying for utility services at full rate

The government considers exempting families with three and more under-18-year-old children that own large single-family houses from paying for utility services at full rate, Deputy Housing Minister Mikalay Lipen told reporters in Minsk on July 22, as quoted by BelaPAN.

"The issue is under discussion and a decision should be made before the beginning of the heating season," he said.

Under a directive adopted by the Council of Ministers in April, owners of modern single-family houses with all amenities are to "secure the full compensation of the economically justified costs of providing utility services" starting June 1.

The requirement applies to owners of single-family houses with a total floorspace of more than 200 square meters that have access to running water, sewerage, heating, ventilation and electricity services. The directive also required owners of vacant housing to pay for utility services provided to the premises at full rate.