FAA calls for fiscal incentives in relation to green roofs in budget proposals

Kevin Schembri Orland Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar has called on the government to include fiscal incentives for individuals and entities that acquire, make, install and maintain green roofs, vertical garden infrastructure and innovative eco cleaning devices.

FAA was asked by this newsroom about their key proposals for the upcoming budget. Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) Coordinator Claire Bonello said there were certain proposals which were applicable to all NGOS and some which were more specific to environmental NGOs.

“In any case the immense benefits of NGOs and the volunteering culture they instil should not be dismissed. NGOs should be treated on a par with industry lobbies such as the Malta Developers Association – everybody deserves recognition and support, not just developers.”

Bonello proposes that the government subsidise part-payment of wages for a specified number of employees for duly registered and compliant voluntary organizations. “This would promote the professionalization and upskilling of volunteers, especially in the social field. It would also encourage volunteers as the burden of fund-raising for administrative human resources would be eased and funds could be directed towards the real aims of the organisations. We cannot say there is no money for this. There is a surplus and persons of trust are being paid. Why not NGO employees?”

FAA also asks for the waiving or exemption of VAT for services which are carried out and/or paid for by fully compliant NGOs. “For example NGOs restoring heritage buildings have to pay full whack and VAT too. The VAT element could be waived in such cases, seeing that the work is being done for the nation’s cultural heritage.”

The eNGO also proposes matching the amount of funding, support and promotion given by the government to Proprjeta Malta – a government-developer foundation – to environmental NGOs. “Proprjeta Malta foundation is made up of eight members, four nominated by the developers association and four others by the government, with Sandro Chetcuti as president. The foundation, among other things, provides a platform for the promotion of property in Malta and supports initiatives of international promotion with the private sector. It will also develop a long-term national strategy for the industry; implement a road map for the industry; promote sustainable development and design for property in Malta; and will intensify familiarization visits to the Maltese Islands in winter. Basically, it is a foundation formed with the idea of bankrolling developers’ sales. Why should environmental NGOs and foundations be discriminated against and not receive the same amount of funding via a similar vehicle? Why should the environment always be the Cinderella of the nation’s budget? Don’t mention the possibility of applying for EU funds or funds for the environmental sector at a local level. Applying for EU funds is a major bureaucratic hassle and it is difficult to obtain co-funding, which is usually required. As for sourcing locally-issued funds, these are project-based and are capped at very modest levels and mostly exclude man- agement fees to the volunteers carrying them out.”

FAA also proposes practical aid (decisions to be given within a specified period) to voluntary organisations which apply to restore, administer and manage heritage or ecological sites. “As it is, – the opportunity of tapping EU and other funds is being lost time and time again, because applications which were made regularly and with full transparency - are not answered by the authority in question.”

In addition, the FAA also wants direct financial aid to be given to the owners of scheduled properties. “The Irrestawra Darek Scheme was successful. However, a more direct form of financial aid would help the owners of scheduled properties to preserve them. Potentially such a measure could ward off lawsuits for compensation made by owners.”

Lastly, the FAA wants the government to “enact the belated social enterprise law. We’re forerunners in blockchain and digital innovation legislation but have completely missed the boat on social enterprise laws.”