Filenews 12 September 2024
Several distortions have been identified by the Ministry of Interior in the legislation governing the reform, so they are considered to be in need of revision. This was mentioned by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Constantinos Ioannou, who added that in this direction a package of amendments will be submitted, in order to improve the operation of Local Government.
Regarding the disputes concerning the receipts from the issuance of planning and building permits, the Minister said that the Ministry's position is to keep all receipts with the EDAs and at the same time to financially support the Municipalities (which lose the revenues they had previously) by paying a fixed amount for the next three years (2025-2027). Next, a commonly accepted method of calculation from a zero basis will be examined.
Regarding who has the upper hand in issuing permits, although the Minister is in favour of their handling by technocrats, he said that it was recognised that, where and where there are wider dimensions affecting policy formulation in urban planning, it is legitimate to seek the assent of the EDA Council to make the final decision, which should take into account the study and elaboration by technocrats on the basis of legislation and circulars.
Therefore, the minister said, after the exchange of views with the Organizations themselves, we proceeded to amend the Decree, so that the Planning Authority can refer cases to the EDA Council, where, for example, there are negative views from the Local Authorities or strong representations from the residents, etc.
Regarding who undertakes the dangerous constructions, the view of the Ministry of Interior is that the responsibility should be transferred to the EDAs, as the competent Building Authority and since the staff that managed this sector in the Municipalities has been transferred to them.
On the issue of road maintenance of primary importance (which were previously the responsibility of the Department of Public Works), the Minister mentioned the amount that will be allocated for this purpose to the Municipalities (which will undertake the project) is €3 million. As he said, the amount of the fund will be reviewed.
