It's been 100 days since the electorate gave Labour its fourth mandate, and it did so convincingly. Labour's electoral manifesto is ambitious and sets a high bar for this new government. But we are determined to make it happen. In my sector, social and affordable housing, and in the lands department, we have already begun implementing important changes.

Better

We want to consolidate what's working well, address existing challenges, and create better, more effective schemes and incentives for all - especially those who need them most.

Regarding the accomodation and lands portfolio, I am driven by a deep sense of social justice, while making sure that Government property is used in the best manner possible.

Stable

Last week, we announced that beneficiaries whose income exceeds the eligibility threshold but who remain in the private rental sector will not lose their rent subsidy immediately. Under a new gradual tapering mechanism, tenants will receive 50% of their previous Housing Benefit in the first year and 25% in the second. This two-year transition period will provide greater financial stability and prevent families from being penalized abruptly as their circumstances improve. The new tapering system will be applied automatically, so beneficiaries will not need to submit a new application.

Fair

A recent Housing Authority survey confirmed a consistent trend of Maltese homeownership - a staggering 85% of Maltese families already own their homes. This Labour Government believes further assistance is necessary, particularly for people facing greater financial challenges. Within this context, the First-Time Buyer Grant has proved to be an effective incentive. Last month, I announced that the First-Time Buyer Grant is being increased for people with severe disabilities. Instead of receiving €1,000 annually for 10 years, eligible applicants will receive €2,000 per year for the same period, providing up to €20,000 in support. The measure fulfills Labour's electoral manifesto commitment and aims to address the additional barriers people with disabilities may face when purchasing a home.

Inclusive

Further changes will make the scheme more flexible. Individuals who received a property by donation after 2022 but later obtained a home loan to finance construction or finishing work will have eligibility tied to the date their loan was approved. This prevents applicants from being excluded based on how they initially acquired their property. A just extension of this scheme concerns individuals whose personal circumstances have changed and who need to purchase a new primary residence, provided they do not own another property. This includes separated individuals who have lost access to their former family home.

Secure

Pensioners are at the heart of Labour policies. They always have been. Pensioners living in Housing Authority accommodations will no longer face future rent increases. Although this initiative was not included in the Labour Party's electoral program, the government chose to act to provide pensioners with greater financial security and peace of mind. For many pensioners, the prospect of future rent increases made them understandably anxious. Those living primarily on pension income feared that higher housing costs could place additional pressure on their finances and make it more difficult to meet their everyday needs. They asked for stability and certainty, and the Labour government responded firmly and decisively. The new amendment will also cover pensioners whose rents have already been recalculated as part of the current review process. This ensures that all eligible households are treated fairly and benefit from the same protection.

Transparent

This week, I announced the start of a process to develop a Buyers' Charter that sets clear principles, standards and expectations for all residential property transactions. This initiative builds on the First Time Buyers Guide introduced by the Housing Authority last year but will have a much broader scope: it will not be aimed solely at those purchasing their first home, but at all residential property buyers, regardless of age, stage of life or the reason for entering the property market. The Charter will be based on principles of transparency, awareness of rights and responsibilities, and consumer empowerment, including clear information on what buyers can do when their rights are not respected. We are bringing together all key stakeholders to develop a Buyers' Charter that is practical, clear and credible. This is Labour policy in action: giving consumers a stronger voice, greater awareness and more power in the property market.

Just

I am proud of the outstanding work carried out by the Housing Authority, now in its 50th year. Through initiatives such as Housing Benefit, Deposit Guarantee, Equity Sharing, First-Time Buyer Grants, and home adaptation assistance, about one family a day receives support. Ultimately, these measures are about more than numbers. They provide families, couples, older adults, and individuals with greater security, stability, and peace of mind. Labour continues to view housing as a fundamental right and an essential foundation of a fair and just society. In 2025, more than 15,000 families benefited directly from Housing Authority schemes, supported by an investment of €50.8 million. However, the real impact of this investment cannot be measured solely in financial terms. Its greatest value lies in the lives it has improved and the opportunities it has created.

Affordable

I am a firm believer that housing policy is fundamentally about people, their needs, challenges, and aspirations. Access to social and affordable housing is essential to social justice and enables individuals and families to live with greater security and peace of mind. A strong economy should do more than generate growth; it must translate economic progress into better living standards, greater social mobility, and improved access to quality housing. This remains a central priority of the new Labour Government.

Sustainable

The lands portfolio is a key part of my ministerial responsibility, a role I also held in the previous legislature. Responsible land stewardship and sustainable urban development are at the heart of this critical sector.

People-centered

Malta is one of Europe's most densely populated countries, where limited land resources and demographic changes require careful planning and people-centered policies that promote sustainable communities. In this legislature, we shall place greater emphasis on ensuring that public property addresses the needs of the community, and in doing so we will ensure that the country's resources reach the areas where they can make the greatest difference. Local Councils are best placed to identify the needs of their residents, and therefore we must continue to provide them with the support and the space they need to carry out their work. Only recently, we put public land to the needs of the community in Birzebbuga and Cottonera, and more will follow. In the previous legislature, two unprecedented decisions were made, whereby Manoel Island and the White Rocks were returned to the people. In this legislature, families shall experience the benefits of these decisions. We shall also continue our successful effort to have all land in Malta duly registered, ensuring certainty of land titles and peace of mind for all.

Ambitious

It is a tall order, ambitious and challenging, and it requires a lot of resources, time, and effort. Both portfolios - housing and lands - are crucial to people's well-being and to the future of our country. I am honoured to be leading important changes within these sectors. The first 100 days of this new Labour government demonstrated our determination to deliver results - and things will only get better.