The depopulation of Italian villages is a phenomenon that continues to cause concern across the country. Amongst the many initiatives that are being introduced to reverse the trend, including houses for sale for 1 euro and almost free rent, the small Sicilian village of San Piero Patti, in the province of Messina, has put in place its own measures: 5,000 euros for families who decide to move to the area and other incentives for economic activities. Let's find out more about this Sicilian village offering 5,000 euros to families who move there.
The local council in San Piero Patti and the mayor Cinzia Marchello have recently published the details of three different initiatives concerning three precise areas of intervention, with related incentives to attract citizens and businesses to relaunch the social and economic fabric of the town.
In detail, the municipality of San Piero Patti, availing of the funds provided by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers for marginal municipalities and in inland areas, will be able to allocate one-off contributions amounting to 5,000 euros per family (for a maximum of 6 families) as a contribution towards the cost of purchasing and renovating property to be used as a main dwelling for no less than three years.
The second initiative, making use of the same government funds, aims to facilitate the establishment or expansion of economic activities in the municipal area through the allocation of one-off contributions. The total resources allocated are 35,000 euros and will be divided into two lines of action
- for already existing companies outside the municipality that decide to open a new business unit within the municipality of San Piero Patti (max. 2 activities and a 7,000 euro contribution);
- for the start-up of new companies based within the municipality (max. 4 activities, contribution of 5,315 euros).
In the assessment for the allocation of funds, the municipality has stated that there will be specific criteria linked to the following areas: the age of entrepreneurs, the company's capacity to employ workers, and residence will be of particular relevance.
The third initiative, on the other hand, concerns the free loan of the municipal dairy (located in Via Marletta). The municipality is willing to grant the concession of the structure and also to carry out some adjustment works for a maximum amount of about 5,200 euros. Individual or associated livestock and dairy entrepreneurial activities may apply for the loan.