Budget ‘failed to tackle poverty among elderly’

Elderly people remain at a high risk of poverty and this issue was not addressed in last week’s budgetary measures, according to the Pensioners’ Association.

Statistics showed that Maltese over 65 had a 22 per cent chance of falling below the poverty line but the Budget failed to tackle such a scenario, the association said in a statement.

The Budget speech did not mention the removal of the compulsory retirement age and failed to address the unique financial needs of the elderly.

Although the full cost of living adjustment, €1.16 weekly, will be given to pensioners and the elderly, one had to keep in mind they had to face the increasing water and electricity bills.

The association welcomed measures that increased the pension entitlement for service pensioners by €200 and the adjustment to the granting of the supplementary allowance. However, only about 6,000 out of 80,000 pensioners would benefit from the latter.

The association also welcomed the extension of the pharmacy of your choice initiative and hoped it would be implemented efficiently.

It hoped waiting lists would be addressed and medicine prices controlled.