Over the past eight years, this government has invested more than €38 million in one of the many schemes designed to help families access decent, affordable accommodation. I am referring to the Nikru biex Nassistu Scheme, which has just been extended for another year, to the benefit of 1,300 families.

This scheme is primarily aimed at property owners who have decent residential properties, which they lease out to the Housing Authority. The Authority, in turn, leases them to individual families. Importantly, the owner and the tenant never have to deal with each other directly, the Housing Authority is the sole client. Property owners benefit from a ten-year guaranteed steady income, including a 2% annual rent increase, and their rental income under this scheme is completely tax-exempt.

The introduction and yearly extension of this scheme demonstrate the Government's commitment to social well-being and highlight the success of partnerships between the public and private sectors. Together with a range of other initiatives, the Nikru biex Nassistu Scheme has helped reduce the national social accommodation waiting list by nearly 50%.

To date, more than ten schemes are available for those seeking their first home or looking for better housing options. We have never stopped pushing for progress. For instance, the First-Time Buyer Scheme provides first-time buyers with a €10,000 grant spread over annual instalments across 10 years.

There is also the 10% Deposit Scheme, aimed at assisting those who lack the necessary liquidity to pay the 10% down payment when signing the promise of sale, the crucial first step in becoming a homeowner. This deposit is repayable over 25 years, with the Housing Authority covering the interest.

The Housing Benefit Scheme provides monthly subsidies to tenants to help them pay their rent, ensuring affordability. The Equity Sharing Scheme supports individuals aged 30 and above who cannot obtain a home loan or who require access to properties valued up to €250,000.

Other schemes include the Social Loan Scheme for applicants who cannot afford to buy a residence or secure a home loan due to their income, and the Grant on First Residence Scheme, which provides financial support to first-time buyers by covering a percentage of fiscal receipts submitted for finishing or construction works.

The New Hope Scheme addresses the needs of those who, despite being eligible for a home loan and bankable by local commercial banks, do not qualify for a life insurance protection policy.

This reflects the commitment of this Government to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that families have access to affordable and dignified social accommodation. Our focus remains on delivering concrete results, reducing waiting lists, and creating new opportunities for those most in need, so that everyone can look to the future with greater security and hope.

Roderick Galdes is Minister for Social Accommodation