Notices published in Govt Gazette No 20,228 of 9th July 2019

Sustainable Communities, Housing for TomorrowTowards Sustainable Homes and Neighbourhoods

1. The Vision

A good indicator of a positive sense of wellbeing stems out of stability, belonging and security. Homes form a big part of wellness. In today's world, rapid demographic changes, economic growth and climate change are putting pressure on communities globally. This brings about new patterns of living, which in turn bring about new local realities, including new housing needs. Malta is no exception. Housing can play a central role in ensuring the sustainable development of cities, communities and a person's wellbeing. Good housing is about connecting citizens through a holistic vision which considers the social dimension in its planning phase, alongside the economic, environmental and governance dimensions, if it is to be a sustainable development. Such a vision is often based on community engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The government has recognised that good housing may facilitate community cohesion and interaction. Due to this understanding, the government is taking a progressive and innovative approach in developing a national housing framework through various budget measures. These are in line with the EU2020 Agenda and SDG 11 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The government further understands its duty to ensure that all citizens have adequate housing. Thus, one of its aims is to broaden the meaning of social housing in order to capture changing domestic realities. In fact, it is following the Economic and Scientific Policy for Social and Specialised Housing in the EU, which states that there are three common elements in defining social housing across EU Member States: a mission of general interest, the objective of increasing the supply of affordable housing, and specific targets defined in terms of socio-economic status or the presence of vulnerabilities.¹

Therefore, the government has committed itself to diversifying the housing market through a combination of short-, medium- and long-term goals, namely: the regulation of the private rented sector, the development of affordable housing and specialised housing programmes through the regeneration of abandoned and dilapidated properties.²

2. What are Specialised Housing Programmes?

The Parliamentary Secretariat for Social Accommodation has designed Specialised Housing Programmes (SHPs), a budget measure that will specifically create housing and an integrated service provision that offer solutions based on the needs of primarily vulnerable groups.

The focus on the relationship between vulnerabilities, housing, wellbeing and socio-economic status builds on the EU2020 Strategy which has put the prevention of social exclusion as one of its core goals in order to address people who are significantly more at risk than others. For example, those who are likely to suffer from social exclusion more than any other sub-group are people who might be experiencing: low income; family conflict; being in care; school problems; being from a sexual and gender minority; being an ex-prisoner; being from an ethnic minority; living in a deprived neighbourhood in urban and rural areas; mental health problems, age and disability. This approach aims at providing a sustainable service and will be based on preventative measures which recognise social exclusion indicators from the start.

In short, the scope is for user-groups to thrive and for SHPs to facilitate integration in society. The design of the actual home will play a crucial role in enabling a positive atmosphere and a successful outcome which will benefit residents across socioeconomic statuses.

3. The Board

These SHPs will be managed by a Board within the Housing Authority. The Board comprises a multi-disciplinary team of practitioners with expertise in urban anthropology, social policy, environmental architecture and health and social care.

Its purpose will be to assist the SHPs proposed by organisations operating within the non-profit sector. The assistance will come in the form of funds which will regenerate dilapidated properties as well as setting out best practice guidelines. The Board will be involved in the short-listing, assessment and decision-making of all applications.

(a) What are we looking for?

We are interested in potential programmes that seek to improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the relevant sector that the applicant organisation operates in, how the project will help improve the general housing situation, and establishing best practices that will inform the Housing Authority and service provision within the relevant sector. Additionally, each proposal will be assessed on the best cost saving method while ensuring best value, namely that which promotes the social aspect of its proposed project.

All applicants need to include a direct housing element in their proposal, and clearly state how such a project will improve the quality of life of the service-user group and the respective neighbourhood.

The Board encourages applicants to propose innovative design which seeks to find solutionsby:

i) taking into consideration the needs of a specific user-group;

ii) basing its proposal on relevant research;

iii) offering service provision that is person-centred and family-centred; and

iv) proposing a long-term provision that is financially realistic, proactive and inclusive.

(b) Who can benefit from these funds?

Any legally established organisation coming from the non-profit sector can apply and benefit from these funds according to the priority areas set by the Board. Community-led programmes by local citizens will be considered if there is a clear business plan, a legal framework (e.g. housing cooperative) or a secure relationship with the non-profit sector.

4. Social thinking from the start

SHPs are seeking to promote a new approach to housing provision in the third sector namely through the combination of inclusive domestic design and specialised service provision.

This budget measure is a direct reaction to the rapid change in the Maltese household and family, and the formation of a new class system.³ A changing society needs to consider its changing household if it wants to seriously address the emerging issues and challenges that prosperity brings about. Therefore, through its integrated approach these programmes seek to be preventative through their services by pre-empting vulnerable groups from entering institutional poverty and homelessness.

These SHPs will be designed differently because they will include the social dimension from the start which is often a lower priority in urban development.⁴ The idea is to include the needs of people at the planning, design and implementation phase.  This will ensure that the needs of specific user-groups are at the core of the design and its service provision. This approach is innovative in the sense that design choice, no matter how small-scale it is, will from the very beginning incorporate the social dimension, as this can greatly influence individuals' interactions with one another, and facilitate a positive sense of wellbeing.

These SHPs will also incorporate environmental well-being where the final design will be mindful of the benefits of incorporating social thinking that improves the wellbeing and quality of life of the user-group. It will also abide by local building regulations and EU regulations that promote inclusive design (see below, Useful Resources for Applicants, Access for all and Lifetime Homes Standards).

Additionally, this approach is aiming to generate significant economic benefits as it will act as a cost-saving measure. By collecting quantitative and qualitative data systematically through these programmes, it will be possible to demonstrate a more responsive way of delivering better services to design and promote best practices to other sectors and services.

5. How to include social factors in design and service provision

The incorporation of social input into design and service provision can be considered at various stages of the programme. For example, social objectives can be included into key stages of development plans, from the programme conception, design choices to ongoing monitoring and evaluation to bring lasting social benefits to user-groups, and society at large.⁵

This means that applicants need to think about:

the potential social benefit of a service from the start of the commissioning process, instead of treating it as secondary;

the way the programme might improve the economic and environmental well-being of that specific sub-group in general; and

the process of procurement, and how the programme aims to secure improvement in the relevant area of expertise that it operates in. 

How can social factors and objectives be incorporated in design in a tangible way?

a. Consultation through participatory methods: the engagement phase is important as it will inform the final design and service provision.

i. engage with the specific user-group in order to collect data about their needs. This will inform the 'brief' that the appointed perit⁶ will respond to when planning and developing an inclusive design;

ii. providers and suppliers will also form part of the consultation in order to understand the brief better.

b. Service provision: writing the service specification/proposal with the input from users, the wider community and the market.

c. Post-implementation: performance management to ensure that any social value requirement that is specified, or that a supplier specified, was delivered.

d. Ongoing monitoring of social input: this phase will ensure that social objectives are met, plans followed and future programmes are better informed.

How can social factors be included in service provision?

Social factors have economic and environmental gains. Applicants can take various approaches in order to offer a sustainable service based on the below three dimensions:

Social dimension can take the following form:

employing a diverse workforce for the delivery of the service (e.g. ethnic minorities, LGBT+ individuals, etc.);

collaboration with voluntary and community sector, including users;

using digital technology as an empowering tool of integration (e.g. Iċ-Ċavetta – Maltese Adult Literacy Online Programme);

approaches that encourage wellbeing (e.g. including green and co-living spaces).

Economic dimension can take an inclusive approach:

job creation/employing disadvantaged groups;

offer skills, training and recruitment at the workplace;

opportunities for small and medium enterprises;

borrowing a service that another organisation might have already built, such as a programme for the unemployed or those not in education/training. or mentoring young people in the local community to help them with budget management.

Environmental dimension and design can be achieved through the:

use of sustainable infrastructure (e.g. solar panels, living roofs, communal spaces, rain gardens, etc.);

promotion of vernacular architecture when possible (e.g. the use of internal courtyards and the rehabilitation of abandoned properties);

environmental policy and prevention strategy;

energy efficiency through carbon reduction or offsetting(Passivhaus systems);

heritage protection (e.g. ERA guidelines, Sustainable Regeneration of Built Heritage Platform in Malta);

inclusive Design.

6. Inclusive design, a modern housing perspective as a key aspect in successful programmes

Potential programmes are expected to develop an inclusive design which looks at the built environment as an enabler of human contact and wellbeing. An inclusively designed built environment means planning, designing, building and managing places that work better for everybody – whether that place is a school, office, park, street, care home or bus route. The idea is to achieve a sense of liveability that promotes the quality of housing conditions, its services and facilities. Inclusive design should take into consideration the quality of the social environment such as the safety of the neighbourhood.

Architectural design of proposed programmes is seen as a key aspect of its success.  Inclusive design ought to reflect the diversity of people who will inhabit the place; thus, proposed programmes need to consider the relationship between age, ability, gender, mental health and community as being the heart of the design process. This could be a way of challenging stigma, for example, which is related to mental health, ageing and disability amongst others. Participatory methods will also create the space for dialogue which would ensure that the community is not left behind.

The following are the main concepts that the Board expects proposals to engage with as much as possible:

a. Inclusive Homes

Inclusive homes are all about flexibility and adaptability. They are not 'special' but are thoughtfully and inclusively designed to create and encourage better living environments for everyone. From raising small children to coping with illness or dealing with reduced mobility in later life, inclusive homes make the ups and downs of daily living easier to manage. Therefore, older people's residential homes need not be so different from being at home at other stages of the life course and in other settings.

b. Housing Solutions through Design

Public areas and homes are not treated as separate programmatic modules but as organic parts of the entire infrastructural network. For example, co-living can be developed through shared spaces such as passages, communal areas and visitors. Such design needs to be connected to the daily movements of all. Internal passages can, for example, allow dementia sufferers to wander safely. In fact, the Alzheimer Society states that wandering and walking are not problematic per seas they can relieve stress and boredom but require strategies and services to help prevent it from becoming dangerous.

c. A sustainable and green infrastructure

It is envisaged that the programme will actively integrate within the existing social and infrastructural fabric of the village or town by becoming an extension of the neighbourhood. It will support existing businesses and lifestyles where locals, children and seniors amongst others can share experiences which enrich their life. An environmental strategy may incorporate functions which are organised towards sources of natural daylight, therefore minimizing the need of artificial light as much as possible. For example, limestone masonry may be exploited for its thermal mass, minimizing the solar gain to the structure, therefore leading to need less cooling.

Furthermore, the addition of vegetation in the area (e.g. green roofs/walls, rain gardens and raised beds), may provide an area of cooler air, working along with the sheltered area maybe typical Maltese architectural features such as arcades, which may help in passive cooling. In addition to this, PV panels (refer to PV Grant Scheme 2016 provided by the Regulator for Energy and Water Services) may be used to sustainably generate electricity as well as rainwater harvested to be used to maintain the green spaces in the project.

7. Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

For any applicant to be considered eligible for the SHP funds, it should be able to demonstrate the below official documentation at Step 1 of the application process (see below). Applicants must:

(a) be registered with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisation (VO);

(b) be registered under the Voluntary Organisation Act and registered with the Legal Persons office;

(c) be compliant with the Commissioner for VOs;

(d) provide documentation proving that it is enlisted with the newly set Standard Authority;

(e) provide a copy of deed of Constitution/Statute;

(f) present official documentation showing that the organisation has sufficient financial and human resources to support the operations of the programme/service (for example a PSP);

(g) have a sound financial status supported by at least 3 years of past audited accounts.

8. Selection Criteria/Assessment Guidelines

The applicant must ensure that their proposals follow the below criteria as closely as possible, especially in relation to developing a holistic and integrated approach towards housing and service provision. Therefore, the Board will support proposals that:

(a) develop a socially-aware design from the start which:

engage the user-group's needs through research through participatory methods (e.g. focus groups or prior research conducted by the applicant post-2016);

use the gathered data from research to inform the planning and development of a sensitive spatial layout;

engage local partnerships and collaborative work with SMEs;

consider the neighbourhood and the community around the chosen property to be developed for the SHP;

endorse collaborative work with other organisations within the non-profit sector.

(b) utilise a bottom-up approach in order to promote community engagement and participation when possible;

(c) include communities in ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that social objectives are honoured and generate good practice for future learning (for other organisations too);

(d) creatively address the incorporation of the Housing Authority's current social housing waiting list (see Sustainable Communities 2019: 3).

9. Useful Resources for Applicants

Lifetime Homes Standard. 2010. (http://www.lifetimehomes.org.uk/pages/revised-design-criteria.html).

An introductory guide to the Public Services (Social Value Act) 2012 for commissioners and policymakers, (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-value-act-introductory-guide).

European Regional Policy. 2011. Cities of Tomorrow: Challenges, visions, ways forward. (https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/studies/pdf/citiesoftomorrow/citiesoftomorrow_final.pdf).

Access for all Design Guidelines .2011. National Commission for Persons with Disability. (http://crpd.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Access-for-all-2011.pdf).

PV Grant Scheme. 2016. Regulator for Energy and Water Services (https://www.rews.org.mt/#/en/a/112-pv-grant-scheme-2016).

10. Right of refusal

Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Scheme, the Authority shall have the right to refuse any application.

11. Duration of scheme

This Scheme shall remain in force for a period of one year from the date of its publication in the Government Gazette, and shall be automatically renewed for a further period of one year  unless a notice to the contrary is published in the Government Gazette indicating that the scheme has been withdrawn.

12. Interpretation

In case the Maltese text differs from the English text, the Maltese text will prevail.

13. Amendment of scheme

The Authority shall have the right to make any amendments to this Scheme by publication of the said amendments in the Government Gazette.   Such amendments may be made applicable retroactively.  No amendments shall subject the Authority to an action for damages or any other legal action.

¹Braga, Michela and Pietro Palvarini. 2013. Policy Department A: Economic and Scientific Policy. 'Social Housing in the EU'. European Parliament. (http://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/supporting-analyses-search.html).

²In order to address housing from a sustainable and holistic perspective, the government made sure to increase housing supply through different means such as, the building of social and affordable housing and the regeneration of dilapidated stock. For information: Renting as a Housing Alternative (Sections 6 and 7)

https://meae.gov.mt/en/Public_Consultations/MFSS/Documents/White%20Paper%20Booklet.pdf (accessed 29/01/2019).

^3. For more information see, White Paper, Renting as a Housing Alternative, https://meae.gov.mt/en/Public_Consultations/MFSS/Documents/White%20Paper%20Booklet.pdf (accessed 29/01/2019).

⁴For more information see, http://thecityfix.com/blog/new-approach-social-factors-urban-development-cathy-baldwin/ (accessed 04/02/2019).

⁵This understanding is in line with recent literature on sustainable communities and development in urban contexts (see below, Resources).

⁶Appointed Perit or partnership of Periti should be duly authorised under Periti Act CAP. 390 of the Laws of Malta.

Notice

The Electoral Commission notifies that, in accordance with the provisions of article 21 of the European Parliament Elections Act (Cap. 467) and of article 51 of the fourteenth schedule of the General Elections Act (Cap. 354), the returns and declarations contemplated in article 50 of the fourteenth schedule of the aforesaid Act were transmitted to the undersigned on the date shown against the name of each candidate, viz:-

Name of Candidate Date

Peter Agius............................................................................................................... 28.6.2019

Alexander Matthew Agius Saliba............................................................................... 5.6.2019

Camilla Appelgren...................................................................................................... 1.7.2019

Joseph Aquilina........................................................................................................ 21.6.2019

Nazareno Bonnici..................................................................................................... 19.6.2019

Simon Borg............................................................................................................... 25.6.2019

Roselyn Borg............................................................................................................ 28.6.2019

Spiridione Borg.......................................................................................................... 1.7.2019

Mario Borg............................................................................................................... 25.6.2019

Antoine Paul Borg................................................................................................................... -

Michael Briguglio....................................................................................................... 1.7.2019

Anthony Emanuel Buttigieg.................................................................................................... -

Carmel Cacopardo...................................................................................................... 1.7.2019

Josef Caruana............................................................................................................ 20.6.2019

David Casa.................................................................................................................. 5.6.2019

Noel Cassar............................................................................................................... 24.6.2019

Arnold Cassola......................................................................................................... 19.6.2019

Martin Cauchi Inglott................................................................................................. 1.7.2019

Josianne Cutajar.......................................................................................................... 6.6.2019

Miriam Dalli............................................................................................................... 6.6.2019

Rebecca Dalli Gonzi................................................................................................. 26.6.2019

Cyrus Engerer........................................................................................................... 26.6.2019

Godfrey Farrugia...................................................................................................... 24.6.2019

Stephen Florian......................................................................................................... 26.6.2019

Felix Galea Busuttil.................................................................................................. 12.6.2019

Mary Gauci............................................................................................................... 24.6.2019

James Grech.............................................................................................................. 21.6.2019

Ivan Grech Mintoff..................................................................................................... 1.7.2019

Norman Lowell......................................................................................................... 20.6.2019

Naged Megally......................................................................................................... 25.6.2019

Michael Mercieca..................................................................................................... 26.6.2019

Roberta Metsola.......................................................................................................... 6.6.2019

Robert Micallef......................................................................................................... 28.6.2019

Frank Psaila.............................................................................................................. 28.6.2019

Joseph Mario Sammut.............................................................................................. 20.6.2019

Alfred Sant.................................................................................................................. 6.6.2019

David Stellini............................................................................................................ 26.6.2019

Romina Tolu............................................................................................................. 13.6.2019

Lorna Vassallo.......................................................................................................... 18.6.2019

Fleur Anne Vella...................................................................................................... 28.6.2019

Francis Zammit Dimech............................................................................................. 1.7.2019

The Electoral Commission further notifies that any person wishing to inspect any such return or declaration, or any person wishing to obtain copies of same may do so at the Office of the Electoral Commission, Evans Building, Merchants Street, Il-Belt Valletta, from Monday to Friday up to Tuesday, 23rd July, 2019, from 9.00 a.m. to noon on payment of the prescribed fee.

J. CHURCH

Chief Electoral Commissioner

Office of the Electoral Commission,

Evans Building,

Merchants Street,

Il-Belt Valletta.

The Ministry for Education and Employment is pleased to announce the launch of the Arts' Scholarships Scheme for this year, 2019.

So far, during the nine years the scheme has been open, 135 applicants, focused on various forms of art, have benefitted from this scheme.

Applicants have the chance to choose their course of studies for this scheme, which offers Scholarships for courses related to dance, music, visual arts, creative writing, fashion, photography, architecture, theatre and other courses based on the expressive arts. All courses must be recognised by MQRIC, the regulatory authority for these programmes in Malta.

The scholarship consists of an amount of money paid towards tuition fees. Full-time students also receive maintenance grants.

The regulations, along with the online application, may be found on (www.myscholarship.gov.mt). Applicants need to have an active and working eID.

Individuals aged 11 and above may apply. However, in the case of minors the application is to be filled in and submitted by the parents or legal guardians. 

It is essential that all applicants provide a portfolio, which is to be attached to the online application. Applicants who want to show their artistic performance will provide a link to a video, while those working on the visual arts are to provide pictures of their work.

Further information can be provided by calling on 2598 2111, by sending an email to (artsscholarships.mede@gov.mt), as well as by visiting (www.myscholarship.gov.mt) which is updated with the latest details.

Online applications remain open until Wednesday, 7th August, 2019, at noon (local time).

The Culture Office within the Ministry for Gozo, Department of Tourism and Economic Development notifies that it has published the applications and regulations for participation in the Gozo Regional Carnival, 2020, competitions listed hereunder.

Competitions Nos 1, 2 and 3 – Dancing Companies with Costume

Competitions No. 4 and No. 5 – Triumphant Floats

Competition No. 6 – Grotesque Masks

Competition No. 7 – Individual Costumes

Further information can be obtained from the Culture Office, Banca Giuratale, Independence Square, Victoria.

Application forms may be obtained from the above mentioned office and must be returned on Friday, 30th August, 2019, between 9.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m.

The Culture Office within the Ministry for Gozo, Department of Tourism and Economic Development notifies the general public of the following cultural activites held at Mġarr, Gozo.

On Friday, 13th September, 2019 – Rock Legends – Manoel de Vilhena Square

On Saturday, 14th September, 2019 – Second Edition –  Summer Carnival – Triq Martino Garces

On Sunday, 15th September, 2019 – Jazz Do – Manoel de Vilhena Square

Notification of Concentration

In terms of regulation 5(4) of the Control of Concentrations Regulations, 2002 published in Legal Notice 294 of 2002, the Director General of the Office for Competition notifies for general information that a notification of a concentration between HID Corporation Limited (Haverhill, UK) and De La Rue Identity Solutions Limited (Hampshire, UK) was filed on Friday, 28th June, 2019.

The nature of the concentration is an acquisition of sole control of De La Rue Identity Solutions Limited by HID Corporation Limited.

HID Corporation Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Assa Abloy Group. HID Corporation Limited is a secure identity solutions provider which offers solutions primarily in identity and access management (such as contactless cards and software for secure login amongst others) and in identification technology solutions (such as contactless payment cards and Government ID solutions). De La Rue Identity Solutions Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of De La Rue International Limited and is active in the provision of identity solutions for government identity programmes. These solutions include national identity cards, travel documents and driving licences, amongst others. There is no overlap between activities of identity solutions in Malta.

The Director General of the Office for Competition invites interested third parties to submit their written observations on this notified concentration within seven days following publication of this notice at the following address:

Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority

Office for Competition

Mizzi House

Triq Nazzjonali

Blata l-Bajda HMR 9010

Malta

Notice to Owners of Vehicles Removed from the Road

In accordance with the Clamping and Removal of Motor Vehicles and Encumbering Objects Regulations S.L. 65.13, Transport Malta is hereby publishing a list of vehicles that were removed from the road for being in breach of the Motor Vehicles Registration and Licensing Act (Cap. 368) and the Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicles Regulations S.L. 368.02 and which have not been retrieved by their lawful owners.

The list includes a description of the removed motor vehicles. The vehicles are currently being stored at Transport Malta's compound.

Respective owners are to retrieve their motor vehicle from Transport Malta upon submission of proof of ownership and upon payment of the applicable registration tax, licences, contraventions and other administration fees that may be due.

Vehicles which are not retrieved and for which any applicable registration tax, licences, contraventions and other fees are not paid by the 24th July, 2019, will be auctioned and, if not sold, will be destroyed.

Further information may be obtained by telephone number 2555 5446/70/97, between 7.30 a.m. and noon, or from (auctions.tm@transport.gov.mt).

Tenders awarded lists Gaz 9.7.pdf

Putting Up of Stalls for the Selling of Food and Drinks during St Gaetan Feast 2019

In exercise of the powers conferred by the Subsidiary Legislation S.L. 441.04 10(8) of the Trading Licence Act, and after a unanimous Council's decision, the Ħamrun Local Council notifies that during the occasion of St Gaetan Feast 2019, permits for the putting up of stalls for the selling of food and drinks, in Triq il-Kbira San Ġużepp and the surrounding streets, will ONLY be granted to those establishments in possession of a permanent licence issued by the Malta Tourism Authority.

The Local Council notifies that permits will not be issued to establishments which have a permanent licence but have been closed for more than one year and are not regularly in use.

The Local Council notifies that such permits will be granted ONLY in front of the entrance of those establishments which will be granted the permit by the Local Council.