The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has supported a resolution to change the status of Slobozhanske (formerly Komsomolske) in Chuguiv district, Kharkiv region, and classify it as a city. The resolution was voted for by 242 MPs.
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Slobozhanske, located near Zmiivska TPP, meets all the formal criteria for city status – it is home to more than 10,000 people, most of whom live in multi-storey buildings. The initiative to change the category came from the Slobozhansky village council, and the parliament supported it, taking into account the wishes of the community.
However, the change in status has financial implications. MP Dmytro Mykysha explained that after the transition to the urban category, the Slobozhanska community will lose part of the state subventions, as the amount of financial support directly depends on the administrative status. In particular, funding for education, social programmes and other areas will be reduced, as settlement and rural communities receive more subsidies than urban ones.
The decision of the Verkhovna Rada officially confirms Slobozhanske’s status as a city, but at the same time poses new economic challenges for the community.
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