Energy renovation: the Assembly votes a tax credit against the government's opinion

Europe 1 with AFP 5:13 p.m., October 14, 2022

The National Assembly adopted on Friday at first reading two new amendments to the 2023 budget against the government's opinion, including one to "correct the failures" of the "MaPrimeRenov'" device for energy renovation of housing via a tax credit .

The aid currently offered to owners has not made it possible to achieve its objective, the Court of Auditors having indicated in particular that it had only allowed in 2021 to change the level of energy performance of 2,500 dwellings, while its objective was to renovate 80,000 thermal colanders.

The government agrees, but did not want to reinstate a system based on a tax credit, deemed ineffective.

"I think we have to keep the bonus but improve it, make it more attractive," said Minister of Public Accounts Gabriel Attal to the deputies.

More funding for comprehensive renovations

The presidential camp was however beaten by a short head by the oppositions (92 for, 88 against) during the vote on an amendment tabled by Les Républicains, supported by the Nupes groups (LFI, PS, EELV, PCF) and by the RN.

This amendment asks the government to “review the MaPrimeRenov device”, so that it finances more global renovations rather than small works.

And, it provides for the creation of a tax credit, without setting a threshold or rate.

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It "does not remove the existing premium, it requests the creation of an additional tax credit", argued Véronique Louwagie, on behalf of the right-wing group.

The second amendment adopted Friday, again despite an unfavorable opinion from the executive, concerns volunteers.

It aims to transform into a tax credit an already existing tax reduction for the mileage costs they incur within the framework of their associative commitment.

The government will have every opportunity to include or not these amendments adopted by the Assembly in the version of the finance bill which it should submit next week to the procedure of article 49.3 of the Constitution, which allows the adoption of a text without a vote, except motion of censure.

The ceiling of the tax credit raised to 3,500 euros per dependent child

This week, for lack of an absolute majority, the presidential camp suffered a series of defeats during the votes of amendments during the examination of the PLF.

On the other hand, with the backing of the government, the deputies increased the ceiling of the tax credit for childcare costs for children under six to 3,500 euros per dependent child, against 2,300 euros today.

The Assembly then rejected, following the opinion of the government, amendments from various sides providing for the deductibility of loan interest for first-time buyers of a home, as long as it met the requirements of environmental construction.

Earlier MPs rejected LR amendments, backed by Marine Le Pen (RN), which sought to create a tax credit for cat sterilization costs.

"I don't think you need a niche for cats," said the minister with a smile, while emphasizing the interest of the subject.