Mel hart
Digital communications professional, 30
Expectations
As a self-employed person and in view of a very low cost-of-living-adjustment I would like to see a further reduction in taxation. This should lead to a boost in consumer confidence, which is badly needed to alleviate weak results in retail.
A genuine commitment to the environment is also needed. Developments such as delays to the new gas fired plant, the impact of the sale to Shanghai Electric of the most efficient Enemalta generating plant and the commissioning of the interconnector need to be addressed.
The government needs to tackle in a concrete manner all the insecurities the public has towards the energy sector. The proposed or actual energy contracts need to be published and open to public scrutiny.
Ultimately, this Budget should be an exercise in showing that pre-electoral pledges are something more than just fancy PR.
Reactions
I was thrilled to hear about the four per cent decrease in income tax but worried about a lack of initiatives surrounding SMEs and start-ups. Improving maternity leave for self-employed women is a very welcome measure, as is the promise of curbing social benefits abuse.
The government repeatedly mentioned how Shanghai Electric would be investing €320 million in Malta but never said how the Chinese would be getting a third of Enemalta. There was also no mention of the rate at which Enemalta would be buying electricity.
The reduction in the price of fuels feels immature given the massive drop in the price of crude oil.
James Vella Clark
PR and media relations manager, 39
Expectations
As an artist, I draw my inspiration from the environment around me, particularly from the urban and rural landscape.
It is easy for me to put the protection of the environment and our historical legacy at the top of my list. Instead of reading about how more hotels are going to ruin unspoilt areas with the excuse of economic activity, it would be nice to read about serious measures that will boost the protection of our shrinking rural areas.
I also hope this Budget will address the very pressing aspect of youth employment and encourage greener energy solutions.
I believe in incentives rather than grants for all young entrepreneurs for business start-ups, for those who revive homes in Valletta and village cores, for those with ideas on generating wealth and incentives for alternative transportation. Gozitans deserve more support too.
Reactions
I felt this Budget had a lot of sweet talk to appeal to most people who are primarily interested in the immediate benefits that affect them. Cutting income tax to 25 per cent will always be welcomed by those who think short-term, but we have to see how the reduced government income will be regained.
This year’s Budget was crucial if the government wanted to cement its standing with sympathisers and it was used as another public relations exercise. Last year, many things were promised, most of which were unfulfilled.
Paul Abela
Farmer, 65
Expectations
I would like to see a Budget that encourages people and gives them money to spend. What we produce as farmers depends on that.
We do not want to have produce that gets thrown away. We need sustainable farming that does not waste resources while farmers can earn an income. The concept of producers’ organisations that guarantee sales for farmers should be expanded. The subsidies we receive are crucial to our work and I hope they will continue.
I have noticed that this year rogue hunters are even more present in the countryside. This is a big problem for farmers. They trample over our produce... protection should not only be afforded to hunters; our work should be protected too.
Reactions
As a viticulturist, I am concerned about the tax on wine since this may end up being borne by us farmers as bottlers may shift that cost on to us or consumers. Any increase in tax, even if it is higher duties on insurance policies, eats into our spending power.
I would have liked to see government really promote the consumption of local agricultural products beyond words. I am also surprised that there was no investment in waste treatment plants for livestock farms despite the problems reported.
This is bad for agriculture and the damage to the water services network as a result of dumping in the sewerage system because there are no treatment plants. It’s good to hear about afforestation too but no plans are available yet. I hope they plant endemic trees that do not require vast amounts of water, a limited resource.
Romina Bartolo
Lawyer, 42
Expectations
I would like more incentives to business to ensure economic growth and create more, better jobs. This should be accompanied by measures that attract foreign direct investment such as a well-trained workforce.
I would like to see more measures to combat poverty and social exclusion. Single parents, pensioners, those who cannot work due to disability or sickness, and those who are poor or at the risk of poverty cannot be ignored.
Concrete measures to address the high rate of early school leavers should also be introduced. Lower tax for parents and increased children’s allowances would bolster spending power and at the same time ensure that those who are more in need can make ends meet.
Environmental issues should be addressed by providing incentives.
Reactions
The lowering of income tax is very positive, as are benefits for the poor and those at risk of poverty, although the impact of new taxes on families has yet to be seen.
The youth guarantee programme was mentioned as a means of ensuring youth and single parents do not depend on social benefits. Although the programme is beneficial, it may not be enough to address early school leavers. Moreover, single parents with no support may face particular difficulties in entering employment.
It is positive that measures were introduced to address the environment but with regard to job creation and attracting foreign direct investment, we need to see what tangible results this will reap.
Charles Mizzi
Ex-journalist/pensioner, 73
Expectations
Leave boring self-praise out of the Budget presentation. It should be focused, hammering out our belief that to succeed we must be one nation. The idea that we must borrow more to spend more is bad policy. We have an obligation to reach and help the weak and voiceless. Having nearly one third of our population struggling to survive is unacceptable. We must provide a remedy for those who want to help themselves but strict supervision is also needed for people who can work.
Expensive cars driven to unemployment offices shows there is a problem with social services. Those who receive unemployment money should make a contribution through a ‘work for the dole’ scheme.
Youths should be constantly encouraged to study or learn a trade. Health contributions for dementia, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and cancer should improve, while causes of disease, like tobacco and alcohol, be heavily taxed. Every citizen should pay income tax on full earnings, including professionals. Drug barons and their mules should be heavily punished.
Reactions
This must have been one of the longest budget speeches ever but it was good to see a number of incentives introduced. There was a lot of attention given to Gozo with incentives that went beyond expectations. I was happy to see the government finally cracking down on the rampant abuse of social services while introducing incentives for people to work.
Overall, there were a good number of incentives to help the economy. There was something for everyone, even high earners will get a tax reduction. This allows for more investment and spending power.