Women's council applauds mature budget

The budget is not the result of any panic-stricken decisions resulting from the present global financial crises but of mature strategies drawn up after a wide consultation process proposing investment not only in education and the environment but in areas that target economic growth and job creation.

That's the verdict of the National Council of Women (NCW).

It said the reduction in taxes and incentives for employment not only encourage women to return to work but also address the needs of the family as a unit. These measures include changes in single and combined income tax computation together with positive changes in the tax bands, measures for first- time buyers and work opportunities for long-term registered individuals.

But although the introduction of higher utilities tariffs has been considered an untimely decision, the NCW said, the holistic budget's thrust still aims to keep Malta on track regarding competitiveness without increasing financial burdens unnecessarily and while providing for the more vulnerable sectors of society.