Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The cabeça de casal is the person appointed to represent and administer the estate of a deceased person during the process of dividing the assets among the heirs. According to articles 2079 et seq. of the Civil Code, the cabeça de casal is responsible for coordinating and managing the legal and administrative procedures related to the estate, ensuring that the assets are properly inventoried, valued and distributed among the heirs in accordance with the deceaseds will or the laws of succession in force. The head of the estate is usually chosen from among the heirs or appointed by a court if there is no agreement between them. Their responsibilities include: Legal representation: the head of the couple legally represents the estate in question and acts on behalf of the heirs in the division process. Inventorying assets: they are responsible for identifying, inventorying and valuing all the property and assets belonging to the estate, including property, bank accounts, vehicles, valuables, among others. Payment of debts and taxes: the head of the couple ensures that any outstanding debts of the deceased, as well as taxes related to the estate, are paid properly. Distribution of assets: they manage the distribution of assets among the heirs, as set out in the deceaseds will or in accordance with succession legislation. Legal documentation: the cabeça de casal handles the preparation and presentation of the legal documentation required to finalise the division process. Conflict resolution: in some cases, the cabeça de casal can also help resolve disputes or disagreements between the heirs during the division process. It is important to note that the exact responsibilities of the cabeça de casal may vary based on the laws and regulations in force, as well as the specific circumstances of each inheritance. In some situations, the assistance of a lawyer specialising in inheritance law can be useful to ensure that the division process is carried out properly and legally. Other suggested terms: What is Stamp Duty? Find out , What is an Undivided Inheritance? Find out all about it
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Whether in the colder or warmer seasons, a terrace can be one of the most used parts of the house , bringing together a number of advantages for better utilisation of spaces. Being able to enjoy the outdoors together with family and friends is perhaps one of the greatest, but in winter, for example, the terrace can also serve as a shelter , which is a huge asset that can even increase the value of your property . Fixed roof terrace Advantages of this type of terrace: Versatility: this is one of the greatest advantages of this type of roof, as it has no space limitations; Suitable for cold and wet climates: as it is more resistant, it is more suitable for cold and rainy climates; Aesthetics: there is a wide variety of possible designs and materials for construction, so you can choose the roof that best suits your preferences; The big disadvantage is that, unless it is a glazed structure, it may not let in much natural light. Terraces with movable roofs Advantages: Natural lighting: this is one of the great advantages of this roof format, especially when compared to fixed structures, since you can choose the degree of natural lighting you want; Flexibility: you can open and close the roof whenever you want, allowing a greater variety of purposes for your terrace. This advantage complements the one mentioned above; Disadvantages: Maintenance: mobile roofs require more maintenance than fixed roofs and can stop working properly. You should therefore have them checked regularly; Price: these canopies are generally more expensive than fixed canopies and require more maintenance, with a higher initial and recurring investment; Aesthetics: these roofs dont come in a wide variety of materials and designs; Aspects to consider when installing Although the terrace is part of your home, making it your own, you should bear in mind that there are various applicable laws that may prevent you from installing the roof. Therefore, before proceeding with the work, make sure you have written authorisation from the condominium . Although the flat is yours, the building belongs to the condominium collective, which means that everyone owns the common parts of the building , such as the façade, lifts, columns, roofs, terraces and the like. If you carry out any work that aims to alter the aesthetics of the building and the original architectural line, you need to notify the condominium in advance so that it can request and receive your authorisation. If, despite not having the condominiums authorisation, you go ahead with the work and it is visible from outside the building and alters its appearance, the condominium can take legal action against you, which will lead to the works being stopped and what has already been done being demolished. How can you carry out your work without harming the neighbourhood? Always try to maintain a good relationship with your neighbours , as this is not only important for maintaining a good atmosphere in the building , but also for making it easier to obtain permits to carry out your work . To maintain a good relationship with your neighbours during construction work, here are some tips: Comply with the General Noise Regulation: according to this regulation, works that may cause a noise nuisance must be carried out during working days, between 8.00 and 20.00. Try to avoid breaking this regulation so that your neighbours dont call the authorities. Anyone who breaks this regulation will be fined. Keep passageways clear: its important not to leave building materials untidy on the stairs or at the entrance to the building. Try not to block the passage of your neighbours, especially the elderly or those with walking difficulties. Remember that common areas are used by everyone. Keep the place clean: when the work is finished, leave everything clean, especially the communal areas. Other tips from SUPERCASA Notícias : Urban gardens: create one at home , Modernise your homes façade with our tips or Do you have a swimming pool at home? See how to clean it effectively
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The concept of an urban vegetable garden involves making use of outdoor spaces to plant vegetables, plants or aromatic herbs , which are very useful for cooking or simply beautifying your garden or terrace. Its an increasingly popular trend, especially in smaller properties without a garden. However, the task of combining the right plants in an urban garden requires attention to the individual characteristics of each species, including its needs for light, water, space and nutrients. To get you started on your urban garden, SUPERCASA Notícias has some tips to help you create a harmonious combination of plants: Know your needs Before combining plants, its essential to understand the specific needs of each one. Some prefer more sun, while others do better in shadier areas. Make sure that the plants you choose share similar light, water and soil requirements. Height and spacing Consider the height of the plants when combining them. Taller plants can shade out shorter ones, affecting their growth. Plan the right spacing between plants to avoid overcrowding and competition for nutrients. Supplementing nutrients Some plants have deeper roots and look for nutrients in lower soil layers, while others have shallow roots. Combine plants that have different nutrient needs to optimise soil use. Attract pollinators Mix plants that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This will help increase cross-pollination and improve the overall health of your garden. Organising your crops Plan your crops to ensure that you have different plants at different stages of growth. This will ensure a continuous harvest and prevent all the plants from ripening at the same time. Repel pests Some plants have natural properties to repel specific pests. Integrating these plants into your garden can help reduce the incidence of infestations. Compatible plants Some plants are naturally compatible and can be beneficial to each other. For example, planting basil next to tomatoes can improve the flavour of the tomatoes and ward off some pests. Crop rotation Avoid planting the same family of plants in the same place every season, as this can increase the risk of disease and drain the soil of specific nutrients. Practise crop rotation to keep the soil healthy. Planting site size If youre growing in pots, consider their size when choosing the plants you want to put in them . Plants sharing the same pot should have similar needs to avoid soil competition. Experimentation and observation Its not always possible to perfectly predict how plants will interact. Try out different combinations and observe how the plants develop over time. Be willing to make adjustments as necessary. Remember that the garden is a dynamic environment , and practical experience is valuable for learning which combinations work best. Certain combinations of plants can be beneficial in urban gardens, promoting healthy growth, pollination and protection against pests. Here are some examples of suitable combinations: Basil and Tomatoes: planting basil near tomatoes not only improves their flavour, but also keeps away insect pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Carrots and chives: chives repel carrot flies, which can damage the roots of carrots. This combination is also aesthetically pleasing, as the green leaves of the chives contrast with the underground carrots. Spinach and radish: the rapid growth of radishes helps to loosen the soil for the deeper growth of spinach. In addition, spinach provides shade for the roots of radishes, preventing them from becoming bitter. Flowers and Vegetables: planting flowers such as marigolds or nasturtiums between vegetables can attract pollinators and repel unwanted pests, creating a more balanced environment. Lettuce and coriander: coriander helps repel pests that affect lettuce, such as slugs and caterpillars. In addition, the two plants have similar water requirements. Beans and corn: this is a classic combination of the technique known as three sisters. The beans climb up the corn, while the pumpkins crawl along the ground. This maximises the use of space and benefits all three plants. Thyme and aubergine: thyme repels pests that affect aubergine, such as the peach beetle. In addition, thyme flowers attract pollinators. Peas and leeks: peas fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for the growth of leeks. The leek also protects the peas from excess sunlight. Chilli peppers and carrots: Chilli peppers can ward off insects that harm carrots. Whats more, carrots are a root crop that doesnt compete much for space with peppers. Strawberry and spinach: planting strawberries next to spinach can protect the soil and help prevent weeds from growing. This combination makes good use of vertical space. Remember that these combinations can vary depending on the climate, the type of soil and the specific conditions of your site , and experimentation and careful observation are essential to determine which combinations work best in your urban garden. Follow other tips for your home in SUPERCASA Notícias
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Building a house and giving it the look you envisioned is a time-consuming and labour-intensive project, and one of the most important points of your houses appearance is its architecture and the place that surrounds it , with the most eye-catching point located on the façade, as this is where the front of the house is located and what creates the first impact on it. To ensure that the project stays in line with your expectations and creates the façade youve always dreamed of, here are some tips to help you. Make a sketch Make a simple sketch of what you want for the architecture of your house. This can be the starting point for the project, and the basic idea for the architect who will take your own vision as inspiration. In the sketch you should draw, in a generalised way, what the façade of the house will look like. You can even include decorative elements that you idealise, so as to give the architect a concrete and broad idea of all the options to be explored. Make the scale Make sure the proportions you draw are correct. To do this, create a scale, which you can do with a ruler, and take measurements of the land on which you are going to build your property, or the existing façade that you want to modernise. This will give you an idea of the measurements and materials needed for the task, comparing this front element with the rest of the house. Materials Estimate the materials you will need to build your façade. This will give you greater control over budgets and also define the style you want. Choose the colours, textures and various elements you want to include, also to give the architect an idea of the different nuances involved in the project. Light Take your homes lighting into consideration. Ideally, ask a specialist to help you at this stage, as it will increase your chances of having a good façade with natural lighting. With this in mind, remember to ensure: Comfort and security: this is the most important point to take into consideration. If you live in more secluded areas, we suggest having walls and gates to ensure your safety; Style: tailor your façade to your preferences. Its important to realise what style you prefer so that you can move forward with the construction; Measurements: try to have a balanced façade. Make sure that the elements of your house, such as windows, doors and so on, are well aligned with your façade; Creativity: dont be afraid to take risks and choose something out of the ordinary. Use more diverse architecture to modernise your façade. For more originality, use porcelain or metal details; Decoration: dont refrain from decorating your façade to make it more beautiful. Use plants and other elements to make your façade cosy. Make your home your dream place and keep learning more about decorating tips. SUPERCASA Notícias suggests: Transform your home without spending a lot of money , DYI tips: Learn how to apply wallpaper and Discover the latest decorating trends
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Troia is a hidden gem on the coast of Portugal, a destination that offers a perfect combination of stunning beaches, rich history and relaxing activities. For those who like to take advantage of their weekends to discover new places, this stunning region is sure to be a point of interest that you can take the opportunity to discover before the summer is over. Here are some suggestions for outings that are sure to make your stay a memorable one: White Sand and Crystal Water Beaches Troia is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. A visit to Troia-Mar Beach is a must. Relax under the warm sun, take a refreshing dip in the ocean and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this unspoilt beach. Boat trip along the coast A fantastic way to enjoy Troias breathtaking scenery is to take a boat trip along the coast. As well as catching panoramic views of the beach and the surrounding hills, you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins in the waters. Discover the Roman Ruins History lovers will be enchanted by Troias Roman ruins . Explore the remains of an ancient industrial complex and discover how the region played a crucial role in the production of tinned fish during the Roman Empire. Fun at the Casino For a touch of evening entertainment, visit the Casino de Troia. As well as exciting games, youll be greeted with a spectacular view of the ocean. Enjoy an exciting and relaxed evening in elegant surroundings. Seafront Golf Course If youre a golf fan, you cant miss the opportunity to play at the Troia golf course. With magnificent views of the ocean and exciting challenges, this course is perfect for players of all levels. Birdwatching in the Nature Reserve The Sado Estuary Nature Reserve is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers . Take a peaceful walk and observe seabirds and migratory birds in their natural habitat. Make sure you bring binoculars for an even more rewarding experience. Troia is an extremely attractive place, both to holiday and to live. So if youre looking for a property in this area, check out SUPERCASA .
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The decision to start working independently can come about as a result of a number of factors, such as not wanting to have to vouch for other people or preferring to be your own boss. However, regardless of the reason, whether its unemployment, curiosity or your recent entry into the labour market, this article can help you start an activity in your own name. What are the self-employed schemes? Find out about the three self-employed schemes, distinguishing between them all the differences and even all the associated obligations and how to register. This way you can choose the regime that best suits you. Self-employed A self-employed person is essentially a service provider. To start an activity under this regime, you must open an activity with the tax office, which can be done in person or via the online Finance Portal . All you need to do is identify the type of activity you want to start and give a forecast of your annual income. Under this regime, the self-employed person cannot sell material goods, only services. Its important to know that when submitting the IRS for green receipts, you must fill in Annexes B or C . Private entrepreneur If youre starting a small business, then this regime is the right one for you, as it allows for a small investment at a low risk . This is also the simplest way to start a business with just one person. The name of the business will be the full or abbreviated name of the owner. Again, you can register in person or via the tax portal. While the self-employed person can only provide services, the sole proprietor can sell goods and services. Sole Proprietorship This situation corresponds to a company with two or more natural and/or legal persons, in which the share capital is divided by quotas and there is no separation of assets, so in a debt situation, the personal capital is safeguarded. Registration can be done at a tax office, through Empresa na Hora or Empresa Online. What are the aspects to consider? Knowing the differences between the different regimes, you should analyse the various variables to take into consideration before making the decision to become self-employed, or even before defining the type of business you want to open. Analyse the market Choose the best segmentation for you, and its best to study it, especially in the area of business you want to explore . This way, youll get to know and understand your target audience and what competing businesses already exist. Identify costs Being able to correctly identify the costs associated with the business is a fundamental aspect when starting your activity. Its advisable to have savings to guard against unforeseen circumstances. Manage your time Knowing how to manage your time is important, and the expression time is money is even more important for self-employed people. So dont forget to maintain a work-life balance , as youll see its essential for keeping entrepreneurs happy. What are the associated taxes and fiscal obligations? As with all jobs, the self-employed must also pay their tax obligations, which include: Social Security Every three months, a quarterly d eclaration of your income for the previous quarter must be submitted on the Social Security Direct website . It is on the basis of this figure that the amount to be paid over the next three months will be calculated. These payments are made between the 10th and 20th of each month. IRS If you have an income of less than 13,500 euros, you are exempt from withholding tax . However, if you exceed this annual amount the following month and the paying entity has organised accounts, you must issue a green receipt with the appropriate withholding . The withholding tax rate for category B income depends on the activity. For income from an activity not listed in article 151 of the CIRS, a percentage of 11.5% is applied. For income from intellectual, industrial or information property, the rate is 16.5%. Scientific, artistic or technical activities carried out by self-employed workers who are not habitually resident in Portugal will have a withholding rate of 20 per cent, and for income from professional activities included in the table in article 151 of the CIRS, the rate will rise to 25 per cent. VAT The payment of VAT only applies to the rule of 13,500 euros per year, i.e. if the workers income is less than this amount, they are exempt from paying VAT. If the value exceeds this amount, you must submit a periodic VAT declaration on the Finance Portal on a quarterly basis. Any worker who carries out any of the activities listed in Article 9 of the CIVA is exempt from paying VAT. Its important to know that VAT is paid by the workers client , i.e. when you issue the green receipt, youll receive an extra amount, which refers to the VAT amount. At the end of three months, these extra amounts are added up and the worker must pay them back. What are the possible activities to explore? If you still dont know what to do, here are some suggestions: Property Consultant Its important to bear in mind that certain requirements are necessary for greater success, such as in-depth knowledge of the market. Graphic Designer If you have the relevant qualifications, and above all mastery of the main associated tools, being a freelance graphic designer could be an excellent suggestion. Personal Trainer Although qualifications are required, this could be a good bet if you feel you are suited to this area. Running an online shop More and more small businesses are springing up in this way, as its an activity that allows you to commercialise any type of product anywhere in the country. Youtuber If youre a good communicator, charismatic and at ease with the camera, being a Youtuber is a good option. However, make sure you have quality equipment and add valuable content. Social media manager This is a job suited to people with a good knowledge of digital marketing, as you will be responsible for managing and publicising company or brand content on your potential clients social media accounts to boost their positioning in Google searches, as well as strengthening your digital presence. TVDE Driver To perform this role you must have a car that meets the quality standards of the companies that own the urban mobility applications and a driving licence. Teacher or Private Tutor If you have a background in education, you can give private lessons. These can be online or face-to-face. Translator To fulfil this role you must have a good knowledge of foreign languages. This is a profession that allows you to work anywhere in the world. Was this article of interest to you? Read on: Home Loans: what is it and how does the Spread work? , Digital Training Cheque up to 750 euros: applications open or Credit Liability Map: what is it?
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction We all like to enjoy a swimming pool, especially during the hot summer days, as its a great way to have fun with family and friends. However, you need to know how to properly maintain your pool in order to guarantee its durability and proper conservation throughout the year. Do you have a demountable pool? Heres how to maintain it To keep the water and the pool structure itself properly disinfected, you should: Use a filtration pump - The pool water must circulate regularly to prevent chemicals and other impurities from becoming embedded in the walls. Invest in a filtration pump. This should be switched on for a minimum of 12 hours a day. You should also check the filter to monitor whether there is any build-up of rubbish. If you find too much dirt, change the pump. Use chlorine tablets - You need to prevent mould and algae from appearing in your pool. To do this, you can use chlorine tablets, which gradually release a substance that ensures treatment and maintenance during pool use. As an alternative to chlorine, you can use salt or active oxygen. Be aware that for every litre of water you should use five grams of salt. Active oxygen is best applied at night so that it evaporates more easily. These alternatives are more environmentally friendly and allow for a more natural disinfection of your pool. Control the levels of chemicals on the surface - One of the requirements for keeping your pool in good condition for use is to pay attention to three factors: - PH level - Between 100 and 150 ppm - Alkaline level - Between 7.4 and 7.6 - Chlorine level - Between 2 and 4 ppm Correct possible neglect with anti-algae and floats - If your pool is left in a state of neglect and the water becomes cloudy or algae has grown, dont worry. You can use an anti-algae agent or floatant, which makes the dirt particles increase in size so that they can be captured by the filter. Cleaning the walls of a removable pool If you use your pool regularly and keep it clean, there probably wont be any serious dirt problems to be found, but we recommend that you wash the walls and bottom of the pool regularly. To do this you can use Home remedies - There are plenty of solutions for demountable pools, especially when made of plastic. A good example is using neutral soap, but you can also use: - White vinegar - In a container with water and a few drops of white vinegar and you get a detergent for dirt. - Dishwashing soap - This is an alternative to vinegar, produces a more pleasant odour and is equally effective. - Bleach - For more extreme cases, mix a few drops with water. Cleaning tools - You can scrub surfaces with a root brush. When youve finished cleaning, remember to empty the water from the pool to avoid any detergent residue when you refill it. Cleaning a removable pool for storage If youre not going to use the pool any more, you can dismantle the structure to give you back your garden space. Before storing it, you should Clean the inside of the pool - Use a neutral detergent with a mop to clean the inside and the canvas. Finally, rinse the pool and discard any residual water that remains, and when it dries you can dismantle it. Use a cleaning robot - An outdoor pool will inevitably have dust and insects falling into it, so we recommend that you use a cleaning robot. Learn how to clean a fixed pool To best clean a fixed pool you can use a broom, a long-handled net, a soft brush, a decanter, a hoover and chlorine. Clean the outside area - The first step is to clean the outside of the pool, i.e. the deck and its surroundings, where rubbish and dust can accumulate as people, objects and animals move around. You should therefore sweep rubbish away from the pool to prevent it falling into the water. Clean the filters - Next, clean the pool filters, better known as the Skimmer, which tends to be on the side of the pool. We recommend that you clean this filter regularly, but dont forget that before cleaning this filter you should also clean the pump filter. Sift the surface - In this step you just have to pass the long-handled net over the surface of the pool, removing any rubbish that remains. Brush the liner - Next, clean the pool liner to remove any algae that may have accumulated. This step also helps prevent stains from appearing. Make sure the brush is soft so as not to damage the vinyl, fibre and other materials. Vacuum the pool - Many pools are already built with a tube used for this purpose. So you can use the decanter to make it easier to suck up the rubbish. Chemically treat the water - This step is similar to what was said for removable pools, make sure that the pool water is within the parameters previously mentioned so that you can use the pool safely. Read more: More and more Portuguese invest in houses with swimming pools
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction Home decoration is a way of expressing ones personality and personal style, but it can often seem difficult and expensive to transform a room. However, you should know that it is possible to have a charming decor without spending a lot of money, using creativity and a few clever tricks. Here are some simple and affordable tips to help you decorate your home without breaking the bank: 1. Do it yourself Repurpose old or unused objects and furniture in your home. A new coat of paint can transform tables, shelves and chairs, giving them a completely new look. Also, explore DIY projects to create unique decorative pieces such as paintings, lights and even shelves. 2. Use plants and flowers The presence of natural elements in the home promotes a feeling of freshness and life in any environment. Invest in low-maintenance plants, such as succulents and cacti, which are beautiful and dont require much care. In addition, place fresh flowers in small vases, adding emphasis and colour to the space. 3. Replace furniture covers If you have sofas, armchairs or chairs with removable covers, an inexpensive option to renew the look is to change the covers. Choose different fabrics or even prints that match your décor. A simple and quick change that can completely transform a room. 4. Wall stickers Wall stickers are a fun and inexpensive alternative for creating a personalised look. Because its an affordable solution, there are already plenty of options on the market to suit all tastes, even the most sophisticated. Choose a sticker that matches the style of your home and apply it to a strategic wall to make the room stand out. 5. Explore lighting Did you know that the right lighting can make all the difference to the ambience of a room? Use lamps with different light intensities to create warm and cosy environments. Pendants, lampshades and table lamps are also great decorative elements, and can be found in different models and formats at affordable prices. 6. Pictures and photographs Keep good memories in the best possible way! Framing photographs of places and people that bring back great memories helps to personalise your décor, while making you feel surrounded by good energy. Gather your favourite photos and, for example, create a wall with different shaped frames to give the room an intimate and unique touch. 7. Make use of curtains and rugs Curtains and rugs are essential elements for making a space more cosy. Opt for simple, affordable models that match the colour palette of your decor. Theres no doubt about it: these decorative objects alone are capable of providing a feeling of comfort and completing the composition of any room. Remember: sometimes small changes can make a big difference to the appearance of your home. And with these simple tips, you can transform your home without spending a lot of money. A revamped décor that not only makes every room more beautiful, but also influences our well-being. Did you like the suggestions in SUPERCASA News? Then dont waste any more time and explore your options: DYI tips: Learn how to apply wallpaper ; Tips for turning your garden into an Oasis
Fonte: Freepik Autor: Redação The River Mondego, in Coimbra , will be the target of a rehabilitation project aimed at reducing the risk of flooding, especially in the months with the highest rainfall, for which 355,000 euros, including VAT, have been awarded. The investment was made by the APA (Portuguese Environment Agency) and includes protecting the banks and reducing the risk of flooding. The contract, awarded to Penela Terraplanagens through a public tender, will take around four months to complete and the work will be carried out between the Portela bridge and the Palheiros weir, in the municipality of Coimbra . According to the APA, although there are several objectives to these interventions, one of the main ones is to normalise the flow of the river and reduce the critical speed in the riverbed . Thus, through the actions aimed at protecting the banks, the collapse of urban and agricultural infrastructure will be avoided, as well as reducing the risk of flooding. Another objective of this work is the elimination of invasive plants , restoring the native riparian gallery and planting native species from the region on the banks of the river. In addition, the intervention will make a positive contribution to the management of the liquid, solid and floating flow that reaches the reservoir of the municipalitys bridge-weir . According to the APA, in this intervention, the best available practices are being used and executed under the terms of the guide for interventions in water lines , which are available for consultation on the agencys website. Read also: Coimbra City Council approves investment in urban regeneration , Houses of the week in Coimbra
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction This Monday, the government announced an investment of 22 million euros for the creation of 750 places to respond to the housing shortages that exist within the framework of collaborative and community housing , which has already seen 22 of its projects approved. These projects will be funded by the PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan), as explained by the executive. Ana Mendes Godinho, Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, commented: we already have 22 projects approved, with PRR [Recovery and Resilience Plan] funding, for the creation of innovative collaborative housing responses and integration communities, resulting from the need to create new solutions for housing and integrating the most vulnerable people . According to the information provided in the Diário da República, the conditions for organising and operating this community collaborative housing ensure capacity for a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 60 residents, as per the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Securitys ordinance, which came into force on Tuesday 29 August. This model, which is based on cohabitation through independent housing units, whether flats or houses with common and shared areas, can be managed by private social solidarity institutions (IPSS) , or others legally equivalent. Private organisations that carry out social support activities may also be eligible to manage these collaborative community homes. The Ministry mentions that dozens of applications have been submitted, based on a perspective of inclusion and combating the isolation of people in situations of social vulnerability, highlighting the tender for the requalification and extension of the network of facilities aimed at providing innovative social responses, within the scope of the PRR . Community housing should preferably be located in residential areas in the community and, according to the authority, have easy access whenever possible , with people and public transport vehicles nearby. There should also be no physical barriers that make it difficult or impossible to circulate on the public highway and access the residence. This type of housing can be integrated into autonomous buildings or part of buildings used for other purposes , as long as they are compatible with the operation and organisation of the response , as the ordinance explains. As for the total number of dwellings, the number of studio units may not exceed 20 per cent of the total. Who are the beneficiaries of community housing projects? According to the provisions of the social response, this type of housing will cover various recipients, including elderly people who are included in the national plan for active ageing, children and young people, people with disabilities and people with mental or psychiatric illnesses , as well as other recipients, subject to a proper assessment . However, this project will not only include accommodation, but must also cover a set of support services, appropriate to the individual, family and social profile of the residents , such as psychosocial support, cultural activities and activities that stimulate physical and mental autonomy, or recreational activities, which will be the responsibility of the managing organisations. However, the ordinance makes clear the obligations of these organisations, as well as the rights and duties of the residents, and the conditions for admission. The technical management of the collaborative housing units will be ensured by a technician with a degree in social and behavioural sciences, social work or health, preferably with professional experience or specific training in the area of social support for the population covered . It will also be ensured by a technical team with a flexible number of professionals (...) with adequate training and defined according to the number, profile and needs of the residents . For the government, expanding the response capacity of the network of social support facilities and services is a top priority , justifying the incentive for innovative social housing responses based on a collaborative and community housing model as the main objective of establishing a common experience through a balance between individual privacy and the collective space of each user. Other news you might want to follow: Seixal acquires building to turn into affordable housing , Landlords admit government will limit rents in 2024
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Portal da Queixa analysed the number of complaints made to banks between January and August, which increased by around 30% compared to the same period in 2022. The biggest cause of complaints, according to the organisation, is housing credit, especially when it involves renegotiation. This year alone, the Portal da Queixa has received more than 4,500 complaints against the banking sector, the main cause being problems related to renegotiations of home loans and, between 1 January and 21 August, there were 4,614 complaints registered on the platform by dissatisfied consumers, an increase of 34% compared to the same period last year , when 3,442 were registered. The reasons for the complaints, according to the Portal da Queixa, relate to Customer Support , where 18.9 per cent of consumers complain about the lack of follow-up from banking entities; Refunds , with 14.4 per cent of those surveyed waiting for amounts unduly debited from their bank accounts to be reinstated; Problems with applications and internet banking, which accounted for 13.9% of the complaints; and finally, constraints relating to blocked accounts/credit cards , which accounted for 6.1% of the complaints, in which consumers claimed they were unable to use these means due to blocks imposed by the banks. Pedro Lourenço, Founder of the Portal da Queixa, says: Traditional banking has been losing the high level of trust and reputation that it has historically accustomed consumers to, giving way to new digital proposals through fintechs, which not only promote faster processes because they are less bureaucratic, but ironically seem to be closer to their customers, even though they are 100% digital. We are certain that this proactivity of the new digital banking will be the catalyst for guaranteeing the future of the sector, particularly among the younger target audience, because they bring innovative proposals to the market, as well as the way their employees provide customer service, based on a concept of Costumer Success, very similar to the big international technology companies. According to him, this is the time for traditional banks to review their procedures , with many clients moving towards the new digital market proposals, which are not just a one-off. Keep following SUPERCASA Notícias for more current affairs.
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction This Friday, August 18, a study by the environmental association Zero was released, giving an account of the investment needed to decarbonise residential buildings in Portugal and concluding that, given the large number of energy inefficient buildings, the investment would have to exceed 20 billion euros. To calculate the results, the association calculated the reduction in biomass consumption in homes, their energy efficiency and the end of fossil fuel consumption. However, Associação Zero also points to increasing energy consumption from renewable sources as a fourth option for achieving decarbonisation. According to the association, between 7.5 and 7.8 billion euros would be needed to significantly reduce the consumption of biomass, which consists of wood for boilers, stoves and fireplaces, in an investment that would essentially involve the purchase of multifunction heat pumps. On the other hand, to increase energy efficiency, around 6.4 billion euros would be needed, 64 million of which would be for the purchase of 22 million LED light bulbs. Finally, to achieve the eradication of fossil fuel consumption, investment would have to be between 12.2 and 14.2 billion euros, which would be used to generalise heat pumps for domestic and water heating, as well as induction hobs - which, according to calculations, would require the purchase of 578,000 electric ovens. The overall investment in this measure would be between 26.2 and 28.5 billion euros , comprising 11 per cent and 12 per cent of last years national GDP, respectively, at around 239 billion euros. The Zero Association comments that more than 70 per cent of buildings are not energy efficient, affirming the need to be ambitious, but also for all sectors and the population to have the necessary support so that the energy transition can be carried out quickly, fairly and effectively . Youll be interested to read about this topic: How much do your domestic appliances use? Find out here , Applications for energy efficiency support have opened or How to make the most of natural resources in construction
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