“Fiscal incentives should be included by the government for individuals and entities that acquire, make, install and maintain green roofs, vertical garden infrastructure and innovative eco cleaning devices.”

This was said by Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) who also proposed that the government subsidise part-payment of wages for a specified number of employees for duly registered and compliant voluntary organisations.

“This would promote the professionalization and upskilling of volunteers, especially in the social field. It would also encourage volunteers, as the burden of fund-raising for administrative work would be eased and funds could be directed towards the real aims of the organisations,” it said.

FAA continued by calling for the waiving or exemption of VAT for services which are carried out and/or paid for by fully compliant NGOs.

It said that, “for example NGOs restoring heritage buildings have to pay full whack and VAT too. The VAT element could be waived in such cases, seeing that the work is being done for the nation’s cultural heritage.”

“Everybody deserves recognition and support, not just developers,” stated FAA. “The immense contributions of NGOs and the volunteering culture they instil should not be dismissed. NGOs should be treated on a par with industry lobbies such as the Malta Developers Association..

FAA proposed practical aid (decisions to be given within a specified period) to voluntary organisations which apply to restore, administer and manage heritage or ecological sites.

“As it is – the opportunity of tapping EU and other funds is being lost time and time again, because applications which were made regularly and with full transparency – are not answered by the authority in question,” the NGO said.

Direct financial aid to be given to the owners of scheduled properties, was also called for. “The Irrestawra Darek Scheme was successful. However, a more direct form of financial aid would help the owners of scheduled properties to preserve them. Potentially such a measure could ward off lawsuits for compensation made by owners,” it said.

FAA stated that it “strongly supports sustainable transport solutions such as bicycle use and underlines the importance of effective and practical strategies and road infrastructure for this sector, besides financial help.”

FAA concluded by saying that it calls on the government to “enact the belated social enterprise law. Malta is a forerunner in blockchain and digital innovation legislation but has completely missed the boat on social enterprise laws.”

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