Budget, welfare proposals studied at Gozo 'retreat'

The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development yesterday kicked off a weekend of discussions with Finance Minister John Dalli on the budget proposals and welfare reform.

Sources said that practically all the constituted bodies' representatives made their views and expectations heard through the meeting, though no decisions were taken.

The Welfare Commission made a presentation to the social partners in the afternoon.

The basis of the discussions are two reports the government gave the MCESD members last week dealing with a range of issues, including measures to tackle abuse, a possible increase in VAT and consumer legislation.*elected according to the provision of the statute about the quotas for women for members of the national executive.