Not enough compensation for utility hikes - AD

Although balanced with positive environmental incentives, Alternattiva Demokratika is concerned that not enough compensation was given for the hefty increases on utility bills.

Higher income earners were more likely to benefit from income tax decreases than lower earners, AD chairman Arnold Cassola said.

It was a balanced budget, with positive ecological and economic incentives but was socially weak.

He added that many of the incentives taken in the budget were the result of EU pressure including the removal of departure tax, the revision of the car registration tax and the measures in favour of photovoltaic and solar water heating systems.

However, the budget fails to respond in an adequate manner to the energy crisis, which is the main environmental problem facing the country today.

"The much-hyped incentives in favour of photovoltaic and solar water heating systems are minimal and will favour only a small amount of families - and it will stop when the money runs out."

Another positive aspect of this budget is the assistance given to first-time home buyers. However, once again, there is no measure leading to disincentives on property speculation.