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Estimates of the Provincial Revenue and Expenditure (EPRE) - 2025/26 Financial Year Allocation decisions are guided by the departmental Annual Performance Plan and Operational Plan, prioritizing the continued fulfilment of the department%u2019s mandate. Budget decisions are largely influenced by the increasing demand for housing and the migration patterns towards urban areas. At the same time, the department faces the challenge of responding to these dynamic needs while operating within the limits of a constrained annual Equitable Share allocation. 2 REVIEW OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR (2024/25) 2.1 Key achievements By the end of the third quarter, the department had made significant strides in fulfilling its mandate: Units completed A total of 3 037 units were completed out of the annual target of 6 654, and 15 houses were handed over to military veterans, against an annual target of 65. Additionally, 501 housing units were rectified against the revised annual target of 1 277. Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) In a major policy shift, the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) has been revised and renamed the %u201cHelp Me Buy a Home%u201d Programme. This update allows beneficiaries to access housing support without the requirement for a bond, enabling them to explore alternative funding sources, such as: %uf0b7 Housing loans granted or guaranteed by pension or provident funds; %uf0b7 Unsecured housing loans from any registered lender; %uf0b7 Housing loans provided or guaranteed by cooperative- or community-based savings schemes or stokvels; and %uf0b7 Housing loans supported by employer-based schemes. During the review period, the department approved 212 units for the FLISP, against a target of 330. Additionally, 520 individuals from vulnerable and destitute groups were assessed and verified for housing opportunities. Title Deeds The department also made progress in registering title deeds. A total of 2 454 title deeds were registered, broken down as follows: 208 pre-1994 titles, against an annual target of 500; 2 161 post1994 titles, against a target of 2 847; and 85 post-2014 titles, against a target of 4 130. Furthermore, 1 654 title deeds were handed over, against the annual target of 2 000. Sites serviced In terms of site development, 4 777 sites were serviced, against an annual target of 6 624. Informal Settlements Upgrading The Informal Settlements Upgrading Programme (ISUP) remains a key priority for the department. This programme is being implemented in phases 1 through 3, in partnership with the Housing Development Agency (HDA) and the local municipalities of Ndlambe, Kouga, and Raymond Mhlaba. To date, 160 informal settlements are in the advanced stages of phases 2 (80 settlements) and 3 (29 settlements), with an additional 45 settlements in phase 1. The department continues to focus on providing essential services, including water, sanitation, refuse collection, road access, and electricity, to improve the living conditions and dignity of households in these settlements, in alignment with the Provincial Development Framework. 707