The Housing Authority has reviewed the existing repair schemes and raised the maximum assistance grants for repair works in cases of dangerous structures.

The chairman of the Housing Authority, Marisa Micallef, said that “repairing existing homes is one of the core functions of the Housing Authority and our grants must be in line with today’s costs, bearing in mind that most of those who benefit have absolutely no savings and are only living on the most meagre of incomes.”

The new, higher rates reflected today’s prices and followed the policy of the Housing Authority to regularly adjust its schemes to meet the needs and demands of its customers, the authority said.

In view of this increase, the board of the Housing Authority has decided to raise the maximum grant in cases where structural danger is determined. The maximum assistance grant has been increased by Lm1,000 to a maximum of Lm5,000. The beneficiary, who may be the homeowner or tenant of private property, should give immediate priority to remove the danger in the premises.

The Housing Authority has introduced further assistance by reimbursing between Lm50 and Lm150 for professional services and fees of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority in cases where a MEPA permit is required. This change in the repair schemes applies also for tenants of government owned property.