Family Minister Chris Said told Parliament yesterday that the government had delivered its Budget promises despite the downward revision in expenditure. These included social measures from which the elderly, parents and workers benefitted.
Speaking during the continuation of the debate in second reading of the Budget Measures Implementation Bill, Dr Said said that the government’s aim remained increasing jobs and stimulating the economy.
The minimum wage had increased by €1,000 over the last four years. Families withone minimum wage earner were also receiving subsidies on rent, children’s allowances and other benefits. A total of 20,000 new jobs had been created. Health services increased with more free medical assistance. Some 18,600 students were receiving €23 million in stipends. Gozitan students were being given €1,200 more every year. Pensions also increased while the budget deficit decreased as confirmed by Eurostat.
20,000
new jobs created
Expenditure on fostered children increased from €600,000 to €2 million over the last four years. The government was working to attract more investment to Malta. It invested in training with ETC and MCAST organising such courses.
People who had been unemployed for more than five years were voluntarily involved in community work and were paid for such work. He said 250 persons had taken up this scheme while still receiving their unemployment benefit.
The government was spending more on education, health and the social sector despite the budget review.
The expenditure on social benefits amounted to €2.5 million daily or €749 million annually. Pensions also increased by €10 million over 2011 and amounted to an annual expenditure of €577 million.
The Housing Authority had reviewed housing schemes to give further assistance to socially-vulnerable people. It also provided benefits to couples to help them buy their residence.
Over the past three years, 13,000 families benefitted from various housing schemes. The authority also launched a subsidy scheme to attract tenants to become owners of government apartments. Minister Said also referred to the IMF World Economic Outlook Report which forecast that the Maltese economy would register the third largest economic growth in the EU. This growth would be higher in 2013.
13,000
families benefitted from various housing schemes
This showed confidence by IMF in the island’s economy.
SMEs, including 230 SMEs in Gozo, benefitted from income tax subsidies and employed additional workers. In 2011, more than 150,000 were working full-time. More than 500 businesses received €35 million under various schemes to help them diversify and upgrade their products and services.
Working parents were paying less income tax. More pensioners were working full- or part-time while benefitting from a full pension. Pensions also increased by €1,000 from 2008 to 2012. Those over 80 were benefitting from €550 more every year.
Minister Said concluded that discussions were under way with local councils and others to open more night shelters for the elderly.