The following are some snippets from the Budget speech.
Gaming Malta
The Lotteries and Gaming Authority, will be converted to a Malta Gaming Authority. Furthermore, the Gaming Academy is expected to start operating during the first quarter of next year. Gaming Malta will also promote Malta as a primary jurisdiction where the gaming industry is concerned.
Shop Opening Hours
Following a process of extensive consultation carried out last year, regulations governing shops opening days and hours will be revised.
Studies on Fibre Optic cable connection with Europe
In order to improve the adaptability and the quality of the existing international telecommunications connectivity in Malta, the Malta Communication Authority will finalise an analysis of the technical, economic and financial feasibility of a new submarine cable between Malta and continental Europe.
Legislation on Islamic banking
Following various meetings with representatives of the banking and financial sectors, the government will enact legislation to attract and facilitate financial institutions involved in this sector to start operating in Malta.
Museum on Maltese atire
Plans have been started on the setting up of a museums which will chart Maltese attire over the ages.
Trade Malta
Projects Malta, together with Malta Enterprise and the Ministry for the Economy, will set up Trade Malta Ltd. The aim of this joint venture between the government, the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry will be to see that there is a collective effort to enable Maltese enterprises to better exploit international
markets.
Special celebration to mark 450th anniversary of the Great Siege
Special events will be held next year to mark the 450th anniversary of the Great Siege, Finance Minister Edward Scicluna said. The plans are being discussed between the government and the Sovereign Order of Malta.
The Valletta Monti
Work will continue to relocate the Valletta ‘Monti’ to ensure that street hawkers are able to operate in a suitable setting.
Scheme for shops in Valletta
A scheme for retail outlets in Valletta will be set up, which includes the opportunity for owners to apply for the title of ground rent instead of a lease.
Conventions Malta
The Government will set up a foundation that promotes and encourages foreign conventions and congresses to be held in Malta.
Incentives for the film industry
The Government will introduce a set of incentives in connection
with specialised courses for the local film industry.
Wi-Fi state
The finance minister said the Government is committed to make Malta and Gozo a Wi-Fi state. Currently there are 191 hot spots areas of free internet, these will be extended to cover more places.
Separation of MEPA responsibilities
As from next year, the environmental protection function will be split from Mepa
Wasteserv
Projects expected to be concluded next year include the Mechanical Biological Treatment Plant at Għallis, and the Waste Transfer Station in Gozo. An application will also be submitted to start preliminary work on the rehabilitation of the old landfill
site at Wied Fulija.
Garages to be sold
Prof Scicluna said garages currently being rented by the government would be available for sale to their current tenants under a scheme to be launched next year.
Wied Blandun
A study will be undertaken with the aim of rehabilitating Wied Blandun.
Animal Cemetery
An animal cemetery will be opened next year as well as the launch of a
national fund for animal protection.
Screening for Cervical Cancer
In line with the National Cancer Plan, the Government intends to introduce a scheme for cervical cancer screening during 2015. In this regard, the necessary investment in equipment and training by foreign experts was intensified to compliment the investment in the Oncology Centre.
Measures against Ebola
The Government will continue to make the investment necessary so that the hospital is in readiness in the event that a person arrives in Malta infected with Ebola.
Elimination of registration tax on vintage motorcycles
This Government will be eliminating the existing anomaly whereby no registration tax is paid on new motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of 250cc or less, while a registration tax of 11.0 per cent is payable on motorcycles considered ‘old’. Therefore, the Government will remove the registration tax on motorcycles classified as ‘vintage’.
Reduction in registration tax on quad bikes
In order to promote the use of vehicles with small engines that pollute less, the registration tax on ATVs or quad bikes will be reduced.
Studies on facilitating pedestrian access to Valletta
Various methods for facilitating public pedestrian access to Valletta are being studied. These include the opening of existing passages in Valletta and Floriana.
Gozo Airstrip studies
With a study on the financial/economic feasibility of an airstrip in Gozo nearing completion (and showing that a strip is feasible) environmental impact studies will be carried out next year. Other plans for Gozo include the award of a tender for a cruise liner terminal and for a digital hub. Work would continue for a new law courts building.
Youth Village in former Umberto Colosso School
The former Umberto Colosso school in Sta Venera will be converted to a Youth Village. It will house a;;l the services offered by the Aġenzija Żgħażagħ as well as a number of other services for youths.
Income tax rebate extended to waterpolo players
Following the measure announced in the Budget for 2014 for a tax rebate to professional football players, this scheme is being extended to include waterpolo players.
More Budget stories in the Budget section at http://www.timesofmalta.com/budget