28,118 receive energy subsidies

Social Policy Minister John Dalli told Parliament that 28,118 people receive subsidies on the electricity surcharge.

Answering a number of questions by Mr Chris Agius (MLP), Mr Dalli said that beneficiaries who receive such vouchers include, among others, people receiving social benefits, single parents, unemployed and pensioners. There are also those who are receiving children's allowances, a supplementary allowance or a disability pension but whose income does not exceed €7,795.76 or Lm3,346.72.

Energy benefits handouts are also given to those who prove that a family member, because of a particular medical condition, uses an excessive amount of water and electricity. In this case, family's annual income must not exceed €30,910.80 or Lm13,270.

Mr Dalli also said that during the first quarter, 144 people started receiving an invalidity pension. There were 38 approvals in January, 42 in February and 64 in March. The majority, five, were from Birkirkara, followed by four from Qormi and four from Żejtun.

Answering another question, Mr Dalli said that, during the first quarter, the Housing Authority allocated 106 housing units on lease and another 203 on shared ownership.