It is a pleasure to be here today for the presentation of the new face of the Cyprus Land Development Agency (LDA).
After more than 40 years of implementing the social policy of the state in the field of housing, the decision to renew the logo - the identity of the Agency - highlights, on the one hand, the new modernized framework in which the Agency operates, which is in line with modern requirements, needs and socio-economic conditions. It also demonstrates the importance that the Agency's Board of Directors attaches to change and adaptation, progress and upgrading, with the ultimate aim of supporting the most vulnerable groups of the population to obtain their own shelter in response to developments and the changing environment.
At this small ceremony of the presentation of the Agency's new face, the Ministry of the Interior, being one of its main partners, could not be absent. A partnership, which is based on the common objective of the Ministry and the COAG to provide prospects for meeting the housing needs of citizens, under the particularly difficult social and economic conditions that we have had to face.
Despite the unprecedented circumstances, challenges and financial constraints due to the health crisis, the Government has continued and continues with social sensitivity to implement people-centred solidarity policies. The aim is to support citizens, but also to enhance development, progress and prosperity.
Dear all,
In recent years, with a comprehensive housing policy framework, the Ministry of Interior has been promoting targeted interventions through plans, programmes and incentives.
The Housing Plans, incentives and policies announced and implemented by the Ministry of Interior are in full alignment with the plans of the COAG, complementing and completing the Government's housing policy.
To implement these policies, total appropriations of approximately €86 million have been included in the budget for 2022 alone.
The package includes, inter alia, housing schemes to support displaced people and projects in refugee settlements, improved housing schemes to attract new residents to our rural, mountainous, marginal and disadvantaged areas, as well as granting attractive planning incentives for the production of affordable housing and creating an affordable rental market to increase the supply of housing units for affordable housing.
In addition, it includes the plan to allocate plots to low-income families, whose income criteria have recently been broadened to enable a greater number of eligible families in need of support to benefit (from the unallocated plots already allocated). For these projects, a total allocation of around €79 million was included in this year's budget. to residents of mountainous and remote areas to facilitate their transition to urban centres, either for their professional employment needs or for their own family's daily needs, and as an additional incentive to stay in their communities and support the countryside.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assistance to the refugee world and additional support in housing issues as well is a non-negotiable objective of the Government and the President of the Republic himself. With regard to refugee housing issues, recognizing their current needs, we have increased spending despite the economic hardship of the last decade due to the health crisis.
In particular, with the revision, in July 2019, of the Financial Assistance for Housing of Displaced Persons Plan, both the income thresholds and the financial assistance provided to displaced persons for the acquisition of housing have been significantly increased. In particular, since 2017 to date, this budget has doubled from €30 million to €63 million and includes housing acquisition projects, a rent subsidy scheme, as well as maintenance, repair and construction projects in government settlements and self-housing districts.
Within the framework of the policies implemented to support and revitalise the countryside and combat urbanisation, the targeted housing projects through which incentives are provided for the acquisition of owner-occupied housing in mountainous, marginal and disadvantaged areas and specific rural areas, which were re-launched this year for the third consecutive year.
The significant improvements in the criteria of the plans, the maximisation of the eligible areas, but also the increase in financial incentives, with a special focus on young couples, make them particularly attractive and this makes us confident that the new plans will be embraced with even greater warmth by our compatriots than the previous ones. And it is for this reason that we have tripled the funds available to €15m for the 2022 housing plans in force, which we announced last April, and the allocations will be increased to €20m in 2023 as we expect a further increase in interest.
It is worth mentioning that since July 2019 - when the implementation of the plans started - until today, 740 applications corresponding to a financial support of €26 million have been approved.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As I said, our approach to housing is holistic. It is for this reason that the Ministry of Interior has taken steps to modify also the planning incentives, by increasing the maximum building factor, in order to attract the interest of operators, both private and the wider public sector, to produce affordable housing units to meet social needs.
Through the newly upgraded programs of the CRA, the affordable housing and affordable rent schemes were implemented, enabling housing for those who cannot afford to buy from the private sector. These schemes, on a nationwide scale, are being promoted gradually and following an assessment of demand/interest, based on prioritisation.
In addition to the above, I would be remiss if I did not mention the sponsorship schemes and other actions implemented by the Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and all relevant departments, under the "Action Plan for the regeneration and revitalisation of the walled city of Nicosia".
In addition to the dormitory sponsorship scheme, we have recently announced the Entrepreneurship Support Sponsorship Scheme, aimed at attracting and upgrading existing and new businesses to the area, as well as a package of urban planning incentives and regulations, through which there are also significant opportunities for the enrichment, enhancement and revitalisation of the Nicosia city centre area. The preparation of a housing plan exclusively for the acquisition of owner-occupied housing within the historic centre of the capital is also underway.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
What I have mentioned demonstrates the vision and clear objectives of our Government. I would like to congratulate both the President of the Agency and the members of the Board of Directors for their effective work in supporting our efforts. Taking into account the new conditions and requirements that are formed in our country, the COAG methodically makes the dream of obtaining housing for as many of our fellow citizens as possible a reality, always adapted to the needs of citizens, but also to the ever-changing conditions of modern society and the market.
Good luck in your work.
(EFYs/MG/SX)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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