HM Government of Gibraltar Responds to GSD Allegations on Housing Allocations - 542/2025

HM Government of Gibraltar notes with concern the misleading and inflammatory remarks made today by the housing shadow MP, Damon Bossino, regarding housing allocations.

The GSD's statement ignores critical legal and practical realities, misrepresents the role of the Chief Minister, and exploits the confidentiality of highly sensitive cases involving domestic abuse, threats of violence, and the welfare of children.

The truth is that the Chief Minister acted in clear-cut cases of serious risk and abuse, intervening only where the situation was sufficiently urgent to require immediate action. These were cases involving vulnerable individuals, including victims of domestic violence and child neglect, who needed swift intervention to ensure their safety and wellbeing. These are not decisions taken lightly, and certainly not for political convenience.

It is important to stress that the Chief Minister has done no more than exercise the same discretion that every Chief Minister has exercised since 1969. The public understands this perfectly well. Hundreds of people seek meetings with the Chief Minister on housing matters every year, and these citizens know first hand that action is only taken in the most extreme and urgent cases.

The Principal Auditor has suggested that this discretion should be codified. The Government agrees and welcomes further clarification or codification of existing practices, however, the legal power exists and has been legitimately exercised.

It was the GSD's own Housing Act of 2007 that enshrined these powers in law. That Act designates the Minister for Housing as "the Housing Authority" and grants wide discretion in the allocation of housing. As the holder of all ministerial portfolios, the Chief Minister is legally entitled to act in this capacity, as has been commonplace under successive governments.

If Mr Bossino does not understand the workings of the very legislation his own party passed, it casts further doubt on his ability to lead Gibraltar. It may also explain why his own party has repeatedly refused to place its trust in him as its leader.

Chief Minster, Fabian Picardo KC MP said: "Your Government will continue to act with humanity and legality in situations that require protection and compassion, especially when the lives of children and vulnerable adults are at stake. These are some of the core values that define the people of Gibraltar."

"We will not be deterred by political opportunism disguised as concern. Nor will the people of Gibraltar be misled by those who seek to exploit the vulnerable for political gain."