Opening the meeting, Secretary of the Public Chamber Lidia Mikheeva noted the role of public councils in the work of the authorities: "As a key body of public control, the Public Chamber, after the formation of public councils, participates in their work and in the formation of the people's agenda on the topics that concern society. We try to monitor the activity of public councils, to estimate their efficiency by clear criteria. The Public Council under the Ministry of Construction is probably on the front line of the people's agenda together with some other councils, as it considers the questions that concern people. These include the resettlement of citizens from the emergency housing stock, the expansion of citizens' opportunities in making decisions in the area of urban planning, the development of a network of housing public control, the construction in rural areas, and, of course, the management of apartment buildings. We record a significant number of applications from citizens related to the activities of management companies and apartment building management entities".

Vladimir Yakushev, Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation welcomed the new members of the council, noted their professionalism and deep understanding of industry problems, and also aimed at solving the ambitious tasks set for the construction sector by the President of Russia and the federal government.

"We have always found common language with the professional community in solving the most difficult issues, I am confident that it will be the same in the future. On Monday, at a meeting on strategic development and national projects, the President stated the need to define national tasks for the coming decade and prepare a draft decree on national development goals until 2030. The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation implements programs and projects aimed at making the life of our citizens comfortable, providing affordable housing and quality housing services. On this way we always listen to the opinion of professionals", - said the Minister and wished the new council effective work.

Sergey Stepashin, who headed the first Public Council under The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation from 2014 to 2020, made a report on its activities. He said that the commissions and the presidium of the Council considered 982 issues and examined 128 legal and regulatory instruments. "We have always been open to the professional community and the public. A website and social networks have been created. According to estimates of the Open Government and the Public Chamber, the information transparency of the Council is 100%. The Public Council has initiated projects that allow to unite the expert community to solve tasks aimed at improving the quality of life of the citizens of our country. These projects were supported by The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation and the regions. The Assembly of Regional Public Councils was created, which made it possible to find the best solutions for the industry with experts from all over the country. The first Public Council has done a great and necessary job for the country. It is recognized by the fact that most of the active members of the Council have joined the new - second - composition," Sergei Stepashin emphasized.

The new Public Council with 36 members unanimously elected Sergey Stepashin as the Chairman of the Council. In his reply the chairman of the Council thanked his colleagues for their trust. "As the Chairman of the Public Council, I will continue the policy of constructive cooperation with The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation, ensuring, in accordance with the powers of the Public Council, the effective interaction of the department, business and society in solving large-scale problems of the industry," he said.

Commissions have been defined and their chairmen have been elected, each of whom told about the commission's plans until 2023. Three new commissions have been formed in the Council: on project financing, pricing and self-regulating organizations. And also new expert group on monitoring of public opinion where leading mass-media and representatives of the companies of building sector and housing and utility services will be included.

The Council was elected for three years, its assistant Svetlana Kuzmenko was appointed as the responsible secretary by the order of the Minister.

Source: minstroyrf.gov.ru