Housing census confirms "dilemmas"

In its reaction to the national census dealing with housing, Zminijietna - the Voice of the Left - yesterday said that the data clearly showed the social and environmental dilemmas relating to this sector.

In particular, Zminjietna referred to the fact that 69 per cent of those living in rented properties were senior citizens - this showed, it said, that the proposals of the lobby for further rent liberalisation were irresponsible and devoid of social conscience, especially in the current scenario of high property prices.

"Zminijietna therefore welcomes the fact that both the Nationalist and Labour parties have not given in to the proposals for a total free market situation, which would give property owners the right to evict their tenants."

The National Census also shows that the since the 1995 liberalisation, rented properties have actually declined from 28 per cent in 1995 to just 21 per cent in 2005.

Zminijietna said it was also concerned that vacant properties increased by 17,000 in the past 10 years while permits increased by 48,000 in just seven years. The latest property census has revealed that 22 per cent of all properties in Malta were vacant all year round.

"It is ironic that while vacant property is increasing, the Government increased land area for development in the 2006 rationalisation exercise."