Opposition presents motion for repeal of Mepa tariffs

A motion for the repeal of new Mepa tariffs for development applications was filed in parliament today by Labour MP Roderick Galdes, the Labour spokesman on the Authority.

Mr Galdes is also a member of the Authority's board, nominated by the Opposition.

The motion, which was announced by Labour leader Joseph Muscat last Sunday, says the new tariffs are excessive and constitute a new 'tax' introduced without consultation.

No mention of the new tariffs was made during the Mepa reform process.

The motion says that while there is a need to protect the country from over-development, these new tariffs are disproportionate and an exercise for the government to collect more revenue. Ultimately, the burden of the new tariffs would be borne by ordinary families and workers, even those who needed to make alternations to their homes.

The motion therefore calls on the House to revoke the new tariffs and for the government to consult the stakeholders and to introduce economically viable and socially fair tariffs after due studies on their impact.