Michael Briguglio, Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party, Chairperson said, “Governments introduction of fiscal incentives for the rehabilitation of old buildings is at best half baked. It only covers schedule 1 and 2 properties and excludes other properties in Urban Conservation Area. AD therefore demands a revision of this policy, and also reiterates its call for tax on vacant property, from the third property onwards. Such policies are essential to limit endless development and to encourage rent of unused property.”

Carmel Cacopardo AD Deputy Chairperson and Spokesperson on Sustinable Development and Home Affairs said, “The best fiscal incentive for the reuse of old buildings would be the revision of local plans to reduce heights which were increased in 2006, as well as the reversal of the rationalisation exercise.

“Old buildings will be reused without the need for the state to dish out fiscal incentives if MEPA comes back to its senses and decides on a moratorium on large scale development until such time that a substantial number of vacant properties are put to use.”

Permalink: “Half-baked incentives for old building rehabilitation” – AD