Much has been done recently to challenge and overturn Malta’s discriminatory practices against foreign nationals.

Notable successes have included the abolition of the two-fare system operated on Maltese buses and the eventual acceptance by the Energy Minister and Arms that all consumers should be charged the residential rate for a primary property.

These changes took place thanks to people power. The powers that be that are generally intransigent and resistant to change eventually had to bow to the excellent campaign by the Class Action Against Arms Group as well as to EU pressure.

The campaign highlighted a number of injustices and has been a powerful voice for change. However, as campaign spokeswoman Patricia Graham said: “Much remains to be done”.

The campaign continues and Graham and her colleagues continue to represent all those affected by continuing injustice. This is not just the foreign community but all tenants who are unfortunately still paying the domestic rate for rented property. This concerns ordinary Maltese citizens, as well as the foreign community.

The long-term aim is, of course, to force the abolition of the two-tier pricing system. However, while it remains in place, the focus transfers to those intransigent and unscrupulous landlords who overcharge their tenants at the residential rate because it suits them.

Such people are actually aided and abetted by the system and the impotence of the authorities, Arms and estate agents.

This invariably affects those at the lowest end of the housing ladder and the people who can least afford it.

It is imperative that all those tenants affected by this injustice support the ongoing campaign.