Government has committed to offering 500 interest-free down payments to first time Bermudian home owners.

Though the full details of the scheme could not be found in the Budget, in its Throne Speech last week, Government said it was committed to giving families the tools that they need to succeed in "modern Bermuda".

The provision of interest-free down payment loans will help 500 qualified Bermudian families reach this goal.

Legislation will be drafted to support the expanding rent-geared-to-income initiative which allows individuals living in Government-owned facilities to have their rent set at no more than 25 percent of their income.

Plus, an additional 10 percent of their income will be saved towards future home ownership and tenants in good financial standing will be converted to rent geared to income on their lease renewal date.

This initiative will see people having more of their income designated for savings, thus allowing them to save up for their own homes.

Amendments to current legislation will be introduced during this Parliamentary session.

Yesterday in the House of Assembly, Finance Minister Paula Cox said: "Home ownership is a dream of many Bermudians and the Bermuda Housing Corporation will assist in making their dreams come true..."

The building of more affordable rental units will also be spurred by offering Customs duty relief to private-sector developers for constructing affordable housing units, the Budget also revealed.

However, Sheelagh Cooper, of The Coalition for the Protection of Children last night had some bones to pick regarding Government's commitment to affordable housing.

Responding to the Budget, Ms Cooper stated, "The other thing that strikes me in the Budget is the stated commitment to increase the amount of affordable housing. It's great but awfully odd that they are evicting families from the Pembroke Rest Home without putting them in housing and are putting them on the street.

"I just find it odd. On the one hand they are increasing but on the other hand, they are putting people out on the street."

A response from Housing Minister Sen. David Burch could not be obtained.