Emmanuelle Cosse, president of the Union sociale pour l'habitat (USH) and former Housing Minister, has criticized the government's plan to freeze personalized housing assistance (APL) as outlined in the 2027 budget proposal. This freeze, she argues, will disproportionately impact the most vulnerable individuals, particularly those with low or modest incomes. APL is a government subsidy designed to help such households cover their rent costs. Cosse warned that not adjusting the APL during a time of high inflation will deepen the financial struggles of these individuals, especially as energy costs have risen sharply in recent months. The government’s budget proposal aims to cut 54 billion euros in public spending, and one of the measures includes maintaining the current APL rates without increases in 2027. Cosse emphasized that this decision will directly affect those who rely on the assistance, noting that individuals earning above certain thresholds—such as a single person making more than 1,200 euros or a couple with a child earning more than 1,900 euros—no longer qualify for the aid. These are already people living on very limited incomes, making it increasingly difficult to afford basic living expenses. Cosse pointed out that the freeze will compound existing financial pressures, as these individuals are also facing rising costs in other areas, such as food and utilities. She described the situation as “unprecedented difficulty,” highlighting the growing gap between income and essential expenses. The decision to freeze APL, she said, risks pushing more people into housing insecurity and poverty, especially during a period of economic uncertainty. The debate over the APL freeze reflects broader concerns about the impact of austerity measures on low-income households. While the government argues that the savings are necessary for fiscal stability, critics like Cosse warn that such policies risk undermining the living standards of the most vulnerable. As the 2027 budget proposal moves forward, the discussion over housing assistance and economic inequality is likely to remain a central issue in French public policy.