Modification of clay soils: experimental financial aid in 11 departments

In March, as part of the presentation of the third national climate change adaptation plan, the ministry announced the allocation of 30 million euros to measures to prevent the swelling of predominantly clay soils.

The departments concerned by the experiment are Allier, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Dordogne, Gers, Indre, Lot-et-Garonne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Nord, Puy-de-Dôme, Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne.

Under the effect of climate change, which aggravates episodes of drought and intense rainfall, the natural phenomenon of "clay shrinkage-swelling" (RGA) has accelerated in recent years, with consequences for the structural integrity of buildings.

Repair costs related to the RGA now represent "the main burden of the natural disaster compensation scheme" and more than three million individual homes are particularly exposed, the Ministry of Ecological Transition stressed in a press release.

The latter announced on Sunday the implementation, "on an experimental basis, of prevention aid in 11 departments particularly affected by this phenomenon", from October.

From the same source, "this system will allow owner-occupiers of houses located in the most exposed areas to benefit, subject to resource conditions, from a subsidy to finance diagnostic services and preventive work."

In concrete terms, owners will be helped, through financing of up to 90% of expenses subject to means-tested conditions, up to a ceiling of 2.000 euros, to carry out a "vulnerability assessment" of their home.

In a second stage, the State will be able to finance (up to 90%) the support and project management, up to 2.000 euros, and the works (ceiling of 15.000 euros and maximum contribution of 80%), the proportion once again depending on the resources of the beneficiary.

In March, as part of the presentation of the third national climate change adaptation plan, the ministry announced the allocation of 30 million euros to measures to prevent the swelling of predominantly clay soils.