Housing Ministry to launch form specifically for applicants for affordable homes

The Ministry for Housing is to launch a new application form for people who are only interested in buying an affordable home, and not in a Government rental flat.

This was announced by Minister, Pat Orfila, in her Budget speech.

Ms Orfila said at least 400 people turn 18 each year, and the majority will put their names on the Housing Waiting List for when affordable homes become available. She said, therefore, that the number of housing applications is not a true reflection of those who want a Government house.

The Minister said in the last 12 months, 184 flats had been allocated to applicants on the waiting list, but 524 new application forms had been received – adding 293 of these were interested in buying an affordable home.

The Minister said work is also ongoing on introducing a penalty for tenants who leave their rental flats in an unacceptable state.

She said 10 flats had been retrieved as a result of the hotline for reporting unoccupied rental flats, with legal proceedings started on a further seven flats.

Pat Orfila also addressed arrears, saying over £186,000 had been recovered in the past financial year. She said the Ministry is looking at subletting parking spaces belonging to tenants who have arrears and have not entered into a package of payment.

On the hostel at the site of the old Queen’s Hotel, she said £60,000 had been spent on refurbishments to improve it until the tenants are moved to the new Sunrise Hostel.

UNIVERSITY

As Minister with responsibility for the University, Pat Orfila said this year had seen a 17 percent growth in student numbers, with 326 enrolled – up from 280 last year.

She said there is now a roughly equal ratio of local and international students – and added that the contribution to the Gibraltarian economy from international students alone for the year ending 2024 was £8.3 million, and will reach £9.5million net for this current academic year.