Sunday, September 30, 2018

Miriam Dalli calls for index to match rent with income

Families who are classified as low-and-medium income earners should not spend more than an established percentage of their pay on rent, MEP Miriam Dalli has stressed, adding that this is doable by matching rents with families' incomes. Member of European Parliament presented this proposal while addressing an event in Orpheum, Gzira.

Dalli explained how rent prices have doubled in 5 years and this is result in more burdens for our families. At the same time Dalli said that direct interference in the rental and property market is not the solution.

Dalli added that another measure can be a gradual increase in rent according to rates mutually agreed upon with the owner beforehand to provide a sense of stability to owners.

The proposal came after a meeting Dr Dalli had with Caritas' support group for young separated people who shared their experiences about not being able to find affordable rents.

Those on a minimum wage or who have to work part time due to health constraints are those who suffer the most, explained Dalli.

However, Dalli further added, there are other persons who live alone or young couples who earn slightly over the minimum wage and find it difficult to rent or buy property.

Dalli acknowledged the Labour Government's commitment to introduce measures so that more people become home owners, introduce subsidies on rent and started working on a white paper on rent, amongst others.

Dalli reiterated that all this plays an important role to ensure that Maltese and Gozitan citizens do not remain dependent on the Government but have the necessary tools to find an affordable home.

"We need to be proactive to address new realities in our country and create initiatives that ensure that economic success is experienced by everyone", concluded the MEP.

During this event, the issue of security was also brought up by those who attended. Miriam Dalli welcomed the government's initiative to increase Police presence in Paceville, noting that more police patrolling was needed in Gzira, St Julian's and Pembroke.

"The increase in population visiting or living in these areas results in the need to ensure that Police are given the necessary resources to ensure that law is enforced," explained Dalli.

Migration, the LEAD initiative and next Wednesday's vote on the EU legislation spearheaded by MEP Dalli to reduce CO2 emissions from cars and light vehicles were also discussed.




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