RIGA, Dec 22 (LETA) - Saeima today adopted amendments to the Law on the Suppression of Consequences of the Spread of Covid-19 Infection, stipulating that from January 1, 2022, until May 31, 2022, the state will pay target subsidies to local governments at the amount to 50 percent of the expenses for housing benefits.

Lawmakers declared the amendments as urgent and passed them in both readings in one sitting.

The Welfare Ministry reported that EUR 16.7 million have been allocated for the purpose.

This is one of the support mechanisms offered by the coalition, compensating for the steeply rising gas bills.

"Considering the state of emergency in relation to Covid-19 spread and its consequences, the ministry believes there is high risk that the number of recipients of housing benefits and the amount of benefits will rise. Surviving through winter will be tough, especially as such unfavorable conditions take place at the same time as impact of the pandemic on employment and health care, rise in energy prices. We have prepared the amendments in order to ensure support to households with low income," said Welfare Minister Gatis Eglisis (New Conservative Party).