Opposition spokesman for social affairs Karl Chircop spoke at length yesterday about the increase in the price of property when parliament continued to discuss the Housing Authority estimates.
He pointed out that this increase places a great deal of pressure on society as a whole, and especially on young couples wanting to start a family. Dr Chircop argued that although studies on housing issues have been carried out in the past, the authorities have not yet taken action and the situation remains unchanged.
He emphasised the importance of dealing with housing problems in a holistic manner and suggested that the government should adopt measures to regulate estate agents. He also argued that all the stakeholders, including members of parliament, bankers and estate agents, should meet to discuss property prices and possible solutions.
Dr Chircop also referred to the scheme of shared ownership. He said that he had analysed this scheme and had concluded that young people opted for the conditions of this scheme because they had no other choice, since the private sector is far too expensive. He said that the government is imposing far too many strict conditions on young couples.
He also spoke about shared ownership with the private sector. He said that the scheme supposedly offers incentives to those who are about to buy their first home from the private sector but he contended that there is not enough information about the scheme.
Labour MP Joe Debono Grech said that, during its time in government, the Malta Labour Party had worked hard and made improvements in the housing sector. He said that the MLP holds the issue of housing close to its heart and believes in the importance of improving the housing system in Malta in order to accommodate couples and families.
Nationalist MP Mario de Marco also spoke about the price of property. He said that although many people would like to see property prices going down, these prices are regulated by the private sector. He pointed out that the Housing Authority had been established precisely to help people with housing difficulties and those who are unable to afford private property.
Labour MP Carmelo Abela argued that since property prices are on the increase, appropriate policies with regard to accommodation and pricing should be introduced. He said that although the Housing Authority should work on refurbishing old residences and making them habitable, it should also give importance to new property required especially by young people.
The government, said Mr Abela, should not only construct houses and other types of property but should also invest in recreational areas and places for children to play in. He also referred to the fact that couples are choosing to get married later because property is far too expensive for them. Mr Abela also mentioned that attention needs to be given to the allocation of property with regard to people with social problems.
Social Solidarity and the Family Minister Dolores Cristina concluded the two-day debate in parliament by saying that the issue of housing plays an essential role in family life and emphasised the importance of having safe and comfortable housing in order to accommodate the whole family.
She also said that the role of the Housing Authority is, in fact, to ensure housing for all by building new property and refurbishing old buildings for Maltese families. Mrs Cristina agreed with the importance of organising a debate with all the stakeholders, in order to discuss the main concerns with regard to housing and the Housing Authority.