Orr who is Chief Executive of the English National Housing Federation, stressed that  "At CECODHAS, we believe there is a clear trend to have specific legal instruments at national level to enforce the right to housing. This is in line with the growing “rights based” approach to social policies underlying reforms of the Welfare States. Therefore, we believe, it would be an added-value to have more focused and institutional exchange and dialogue on this issue. In our understanding, this is a way to reinforce mutual understanding, but also to build Europe. The Intergroup on Urban-housing can make the first steps."

In his speech, which can be downloaded here, Orr also expressed his hope that the European Parliament will continue to give its commitment to make right to housing a reality for all EU citizens. He also outlined the 5 priorities for which CECODHAS calls for political support from the intergroup and from the European Parliament:

> 1. Enough housing of the right type in the right place
> 2. Minimum quality standard needs to be agreed at the appropriate level to make the  
        right to housing effective.
> 3. Affordability needs to be tackled, taking in account the energy costs
> 4. Strong, safe, attractive communities
> 5. Specific support for the most vulnerable

This debate was held as a follow-up to the submission of a 'motion for a resolution on housing and regional policy' by liberal MEP, Alfonso Andria to the Regional Development committee. Andria's report considers that "the right to decent housing at affordable prices is a fundamental right of each citizen of the European Union and one that is recognised in a number of international charters and constitutions of Member States." After almost unanimous support in the Committee vote on March 20th, the motion was approved by a large majority at the the Parliament's plenary session today Friday, May 10th.