As the Junior Minister of Housing and Municipalities, I read with interest opposition MP Michael Fahy’s recent opinion piece on the Affordable Housing Strategy 2025-2035, which is open for public consultation at forum.gov.bm.

The Progressive Labour Party welcomes serious discussion about Bermuda's housing challenges because this issue affects real people and real families every day. It affects young Bermudians trying to secure their first home. It affects working families facing rising rents. It affects seniors who want the security of remaining in the communities they helped to build.

I noted that many of Mr Fahy’s proposals were ones that this government has already been actively exploring and advancing. His attempt, however, to present pathways to permanent residency as a solution to Bermuda's housing challenges shows once again the Opposition’s unwillingness to appreciate and understand the complexities and sensitivities regarding immigration.

It is important to note that Mr Fahy repeatedly looks for ways to extend permanent residency to status grants.

For example, last year, in response to the PLP’s introduction of corporate income tax, Mr Fahy stated: “Those companies that are paying this money are going to want something. They are going to want to make sure they can get their people here and will have security here. So what do you need to do? You need to give them status.”

Creating new immigration pathways does not build a single home, renovate a vacant property or lower rents for families struggling to find affordable accommodation.

Let’s be clear: this government supports responsible economic growth and understands the importance of attracting talent and investment to Bermuda; we agree that population policy and housing policy must move together.

Questions relating to permanent residency and immigration policy, however, are significant national issues that deserve careful consideration on their own merits. They should not be presented as a substitute for the work required to deliver more affordable housing. Bermudians struggling with rising rents are looking for more homes, not another immigration debate.

This government recognises that many Bermudians are struggling, and understands the frustration of those searching for housing they can afford. Those concerns are real, and they deserve more than commentary. They deserve action.

That is why the PLP has made affordable housing a priority and is focused on the work required to deliver meaningful results.

Over the past several months, the Ministry of Housing and Municipalities, the Bermuda Housing Corporation and their partners have been advancing a comprehensive approach to increasing Bermuda's housing supply. This has included exploring innovative construction methods, identifying development partners and sourcing funding.

This work is now producing results, with 229 residential units expected to be delivered within the next 18 months. This represents one of the most ambitious housing initiatives undertaken in recent years. It also builds on continuing efforts to renovate, restore and return additional housing units to use while creating new opportunities for Bermudians to access quality, affordable housing.

We welcome constructive ideas from anyone who wants to help address Bermuda's housing challenges. But while some choose political theatre, this government is focused on delivering homes for Bermudian families.

The Progressive Labour Party remains focused on the work that matters: increasing housing supply, supporting affordable housing development, and ensuring that more Bermudians have access to safe, quality and affordable homes.

• Lauren Hayward Bell is a government senator and the Junior Minister of Housing and Municipalities