Papakostantinou to reduce fines

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has announced there will be a change in fines for all illegal buildings, terraces in houses etc.

Mr.Papakostantinou announced the changes and improvements in the new legislation and declared that apart from all the changes, the Ministry is open to new and further changes if needed.

Among the changes, there is one that foresees smaller fines for attics, basements and alcoves that have been illegally built in houses/shops/buildings, the owners of which will pay a lower fine.

There is also a different way of imposing fines on the first and main residence of people with special needs that are of low income. 

Furthermore, all buildings built before 1955 are exempt from the new measures.

During  the presentation of the new legislation, Mr.Papakostantinou said he is open to discussion as to whether there should be an elimination of the 20 and 40 years that have been the limit for illegal buildings.

The Minister mentioned that it is possible that part of the income from the fines will go to the National Health and Insurance Services, and especially to IKA.

”We are discussing this with the Ministry of Employment to see whether we can calculate an amount to save for the national insurance bureaus” said the Minister characteristically.

Lastly there was a reference made to the NATURA network to safeguard the protection of the environment.