Budget measures to regenerate urban conservation areas through incentives on the sale of properties, speeding procedures for those caught in inheritance disputes, as well as proposals re the restoration of Lower St Elmo were welcomed by Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar.

FAA welcomed the sanctions regarding abandoned commercial premises but expressed disappointment at the absence of measures to help owners repair old properties, especially Maltese balconies.

The 150 per cent reduction of the taxable value of donations to heritage is beneficial, however it had been expected that non-profit voluntary organisations would be exempted from VAT.

FAA said that in spite of several positive grants to encourage the purchase of low emission cars and motorcycles, the budget lacked several measures to reduce traffic across the board.

The organisation said that the Budget's most glaring shortcoming was the lack of any fund to buy up green enclaves at risk of development so as to preserve them.

"The budget includes a number of positive measures but lacks a holistic and courageous vision especially as regards the preservation of water, green areas, trees and environmental health," FAA said.