HERITAGE PROVISIONS IN THE 2012 BUDGET

HERITAGE PROVISIONS IN THE 2012 BUDGET

Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) welcomes the Budget measures that encourage the restoration and renovation of scheduled properties; FAA has long called for a re-direction of the construction industry towards the restoration of our deteriorating architectural heritage.  In 2018 Valletta is to be showcased to the world as an architectural jewel therefore FAA welcomes exemptions on transfer duties to help resolve inheritance issues, rebates of 20% on restoration works and lower taxes on income from rent for restored properties which should help to upgrade Malta’s conservation areas, environment and jobs in urban cores.  Ultimately however, the situation as regards urban core decay will only be resolved with the full repeal of the 1939 rent laws.

While FAA supports the proposed upgrading of urban cores and the social regeneration that the Harbour area so badly needs, the organisation urges caution in the relaxation of policies regarding the conversion of urban conservation area homes into offices.  Commercial projects such as offices should be limited to large buildings that are no longer suitable for domestic use.  As was highlighted at last year’s ICOMOS conference, the health of a city is measured by its balance of different uses, and that the lack of a balanced socio-economic mix is causing a deterioration in the community fabric of Valletta. For this reason, a cautious approach needs to be taken as regards the relaxation of regulations regarding  the use of properties in Valletta for offices or other commercial uses. 

The Housing Authority will also be launching schemes in the form of rental subsidies and tax rebates in order to encourage private owners to rent to those who would otherwise rely on Government housing. While this is intended to reduce the demand for more social housing, such an aim would only be realised through the outright purchase of such properties by Government. This would avoid the building of more housing units in addition to the 76,000 vacant properties we already have.

The €7 million to be invested on enhancing public spaces, works on historic sites including temples, palaces, catacombs and fortifications as well as works in preparation for Valletta’s hosting of the European Cultural Capital in 2018, are very positive measures that will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also serve to increase employment in tourism.

The EU at present is strongly promoting the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility.  While applauding the efforts of the corporations that have already shown their commitment towards heritage preservation FAA would like to encourage greater participation of the sector in order to give substance to this concept.