Applications rose by 217 in 2015. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Applications for alternative accommodation lodged with the Housing Authority reached 3,079 at the end of last year, an increase of 217 applications over those pending in December 2014.

While 242 applications were cancelled or withdrawn, 477 new applications were submitted during 2015.

Out of the remaining 3,079 applications, the authority has included 1,128 requests in its priority list.

The largest group on the priority list was made up of applicants living in overcrowded settings and sharing accommodation.

There were 128 homeless applicants, including persons leaving institutions, prison and rehabilitation services and others facing eviction orders, made up the second largest grouping.

The Housing Authority’s annual report sheds light on the social housing stock managed by the authority and made up of over 8,000 units.

In 2015, close to €2 million was disbursed in major repairs and upgrading works on these buildings. Following inspections, only 60 per cent of the 1,891 damage reports were found to be admissible, leading to an expenditure that was 52 per cent more than that incurred in 2014.

A total of 941 repair works, costing €1.5 million, were carried out through a framework agreement with 30 contractors.

The repair works included repairs to the common areas, drainage, apertures, roofs and other interventions addressing structural problems.

Besides these works, the overhaul of three housing estates was undertaken. This €0.5 million project included the refurbishment of 80 apartments in Paola, Senglea and St Paul’s Bay.

128 were homeless applicants: persons leaving institutions, prison and rehab services and others facing eviction orders

The 2016 estimates project an expenditure of €3.7 million by the authority in major repairs and upgrading works.

Over €800,000 was invested to promote accessibility through the installation of 19 new lifts and the upgrade of another six.

Works started on the installation of new lifts in four other blocks of apartments. Accessibility within the individual residences of disabled persons was supported by financial aid and technical advice in carrying out adaptation works.

A total 143 requests for such assistance were approved last year and €572,901 were disbursed. Stair lifts and bathroom adaptations were the most common works supported by this scheme.

The Rent Subsidy in Private Rented Residences Scheme remained one of the most popular initiatives.

The applicant’s annual income cannot exceed €18,514 to be eligible for a maximum of €1,000 in rent subsidy. Disabled persons and large families are entitled to a higher subsidy.

During 2015, 369 out of the 525 private rent subsidy applications were approved.

Persons over 61 years of age formed the largest age group of applicants (116 out of 525 applicants), while separated persons made up the main civil status grouping (168 out of 525 claimants).

At the year’s end, the number of private rent subsidy beneficiaries stood at 1,663, receiving an average rent subsidy of €630.

The Housing Authority generated a revenue of €16.6 million by selling 122 properties through the Sir Sid Darek (own your home) scheme in 2015.

The scheme entitled residents of housing units owned by the authority and the Government Property Department to a 50 per cent subsidy on the price set by the authority, on the condition that the property would be exclusively occupied by the purchasers as their ordinary residence for at least 10 years after the sale.

Parliament is expected to debate the 2015 Housing Authority’s annual report and this year’s estimates tonight.