A. Kosinets considers it necessary to more widely introduce differentiated tariffs for housing and communal services based on consumption volumes

September 25, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets believes it is necessary to more widely implement differentiated tariffs for utility services depending on consumption volumes. He expressed his point of view in an interview with a BELTA correspondent. Currently, in the region, the population reimburses only 13.5% of the costs of utility services, while when forming the budget for 2012, this figure was planned at 35%. The difference is currently covered by the budget surplus. However, these funds could be directed not to cover expenses, but to develop housing and communal services. For example, only for the overhaul of housing in the region, Br500 billion is required annually, and another Br300 billion is needed for the implementation of the "Clean Water" program. To resettle people from dilapidated housing and provide them with improved housing, 1845 apartments need to be built. In order to implement these plans, designed to qualitatively improve people's lives, it is necessary not only to increase budget revenues but also to improve the system of payment for housing and communal services by the population, the chairman of the regional executive committee is convinced. "At the same time, differentiating the payment for housing and communal services by population income requires serious calculations, but establishing differentiated tariffs depending on consumption volumes will allow everyone to pay according to their needs, and will also stimulate the rational use of resources," believes Alexander Kosinets. -0-