Many of the social measures announced in the Budget were lifted from proposals made by the previous administration, Opposition spokesman Clyde Puli said yesterday.

In a brief press conference on the steps of the Social Solidarity Ministry, Mr Puli said it was hard for him not to support many of the budgetary measures as these had been taken “lock stock and barrel”.

One was the home care scheme for the children of working parents.

“Next year we will see only one of the measures of this scheme, which we proposed last year,” he said.

Mr Puli said that despite the Labour Party’s promise of a clear “road map” on tackling social exclusion, the Budget had no clear strategy on the eradication of poverty.

He was reacting to comments made by Social Solidarity Minister Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca earlier yesterday.

Ms Coleiro Preca said the Budget had offered a “first break” for those facing serious social and economic disparity.

“It’s not just about throwing money at problems. There needs to be a plan to give dignity and independence back to people,” he said, adding that economically vulnerable members of society had not been supported to face the rising cost of living.

He highlighted similar shortcomings in strategies promoting work and improving education.

“We heard a lot about literacy rates before March, but almost nothing about them now,” he said.

Mr Puli said that while Ms Coleiro Preca unveiled an increase in funds allocated to programmes for the family, these had actually decreased by €1 million.

The Government, he said, had also reduced some €2 million from the pensions fund and not taken any concrete action on the problem of out-of-stock medication.

“I wonder, is this a case of giving with one hand and taking away with the other?” Mr Puli asked.