Rise in social housing applications confirms the government's failure - PN
Housing Ministry responds figures are 'dynamic' and points to record allocation of 941 units over two years
Updated 3.05pm
Recent revelations that the number of pending applications for social housing has risen to 1,890 confirm the government's failure in the sector, the Nationalist Party said on Tuesday.
The PN pointed out that according to parliamentary replies, between January 2024 and November 2025, the Housing Authority received more than 50,000 requests for assistance.
It noted that these figures show "how great the need for help in the housing sector really is".
However, the Housing Ministry replied these figures do not reveal the whole story as the social housing waiting list is "dynamic".
The Ministry pointed out that of the 50,000 people who contacted the Housing Authority, around 18,000 were enquiries or requests related to the registration of rental contracts and other services linked to the private residential rental sector.
"It is incorrect to claim that all 50,000 cases were requests for assistance," the ministry said.
The PN continued that "despite the government’s promises, the reality is that many families, young couples, elderly people and vulnerable persons are still finding it difficult to secure an affordable home or social accommodation."
The rise in applications also contradicted claims that the waiting list had decreased substantially, it added.
The PN observed that while important housing projects are experiencing delays, property market prices have continued to rise faster than salaries.
"Housing is not a privilege, but a fundamental right. This is why there is a need for greater investment in social and affordable accommodation, more transparency in the management of projects, and stronger protection for tenants," the PN said.
The statement was signed by Ivan Bartolo, shadow minister for social policy and Stanley Zammit, shadow minister for accommodation and lands.
Meanwhile, the Housing Authority said its priority is to ensure "stability" in the sector through long-term planning.
It highlighted that a "record 941 social housing units" have been allocated over the past two years, helping to keep the waiting list "at one of the lowest levels in the past 15 years".
The Authority added it is continuing to update and strengthen targeted assistance schemes, such as the Rent Benefit, which also provides support to people waiting to be allocated social housing.
The average time taken to process Rent Benefit applications has been significantly reduced from 69 days to 23 days.