The Malta Chamber of SMEs (GRTU) has called for a reduction of VAT on crafts produced locally as well as incentives to help the sector export its goods.

In its long wish list for the upcoming budget, the chamber also made its case for a lower VAT rate in the buy-to-let property sector, a fixed tax rate on rental income and the removal of audit requirements for micro-companies.

It called for the establishment of a night utility tariff for enterprises and a drop in the fees charged for commercial meters.

The GRTU also suggested beefing up efforts to combat VAT and eco-tax evasion, and called for a revision of the eco-tax mechanism that levies a tax on companies importing packaging.

The Chamber made several proposals on property, calling for incentives to have empty housing turned into back-office premises for businesses, and establishing boutique hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation.

It also made proposals to benefit Gozo enterprises, such as a scheme to help them mitigate the cost of transit between Malta and Gozo.

Moreover, it called for increased efficiency of the Gozo Channel ferries and the setting up of a scheme to mitigate the imbalance in employment many Gozitan enterprises go through between the summer and winter months.

The GRTU also called for an establishment of an “Early Warning Foundation” where consultants could offer free advice to enterprises in difficulty, helping improve their management skills and negotiations with the bank.

It also said that self-employed people should be able to receive their pension early without the need to remain idle for one year.