MLP approves, publishes electoral programme

The Labour Party's general conference this evening approved its electoral programme for the forthcoming elections. The conference continues to meet tomorrow to approve the list of election candidates.

The programme features the proposals made in the various MLP policy documents, including the reduction of the power surcharge by half, the removal of income tax on overtime work and the introduction of a new reception class before primary school.

Other proposals include the restoration of public holidays which are currently lost when they fall on weekends, a removal of VAT on educational items and a reduction of taxes on tourism services.

The MLP is promising to set up a task force to propose measures to help industry. It will also provide assistance to business start ups and set up mechanisms to guard against price abuse.

The party is promising to raise annual tourism arrivals to 1.6 million (from 1.1 million), cut public service red tape and introduce a reform for sustainable pensions after 2011. A Karta Zghazagh will be introduced for reduced prices for young people. An assistance scheme will be introduced for first time property buyers, as announced late last year. The party is also promising to cut taxes.

The Maltese text of the electoral programme can be downloaded at http://www.timesofmalta.com/downloads/mlp_electoral_programme.pdf