Government says affordable housing is already a top priority

The Government says it notes the statement issued by the Together Gibraltar Opposition which compares affordable housing and luxury housing projects in Gibraltar. 

It is important to bear in mind that a large number of these projects were granted planning permission or were the subject of agreements before December 2011 when the GSLP/Liberals came into office. This applies to many of the Ocean Village projects, the one in Marina Bay, the Mid Town Project and King’s Wharf, for example.

There are also a large number of private projects constructed by private developers on private land, where the Government has no say as landlord.

The Government agrees that there needs to be a balance between luxury developments and affordable housing. The fact that the GSD was in office for nearly ten years before they started their large affordable projects means that the balance is tilted the other way. This Government has redressed that balance since 2011 and will continue to do so. There are three major affordable housing projects in the pipeline in addition to the two that have been already constructed. This is more than any Government has ever done in such a short time.

Affordable housing is already a top priority. It is also relevant to point out that the resales of affordable homes is already controlled and capped. This will be further restricted in the new schemes.

04-02-19 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR