Budget should strengthen welfare state

The coming budget should focus on strengthening the welfare state to compensate for the inequalities, hardship and social difficulties arising from the Nationalist government's neo-liberal policies.

The government should not encourage more reduction in income tax as this will have a negative effect on the sustainability of the welfare state system. On the other hand, it should introduce taxation on property speculation and increase taxation on companies making windfall profits, such as banks and gaming companies.

The current regressive utility tariff system should be reformed so that basic consumption is safeguarded while penalising wastage. We need an economy that encourages more female participation in the labour market while discouraging exploitative practices. This can be done through bigger state investment in accessible childcare centres and rewarding the introduction of innovative family-friendly and inclusive measures in the private sector which so far are largely non-existent.

Maternity leave entitlement from 13 weeks to 14 weeks should be fully paid while the combined earnings ceiling for single parents should be increased as this is not realistic.

Means-testing for social benefits should be avoided as far as possible, as these can result in stigmatisation of claimants and poverty traps for low-paid workers who experience a small rise in their earnings. Housing subsidies for first-time home-buyers and persons with social needs should be strengthened.

The budget should tackle problems faced by various categories of workers by introducing measures such as an increase in the minimum wage and incentives to create good quality jobs instead of precarious aones.

Żminijietna - Voice of the Left appeals to all political parties to take a clear stand against reducing income tax as this will only help further dismantle the welfare state.