Heritage organisation Din L-Art Ħelwa praised Budget 2013, saying it gave great recognition to the value of cultural heritage to the economy.

It said it was pleased to see it proposed ongoing commitment to the regeneration of sites of national importance, such as forts St Elmo and St Angelo, and the restoration of facades of major historic buildings in Valletta.

It included proposals that would increase investment in the reuse of buildings in historic centres, such as the palazzini project, which opened the way for much-needed boutique hotels as these could attract a higher quality visitor profile.

DLĦ said it was also pleased to see that the incentive schemes for restoration of private properties in urban conservation areas were extended to groups working to restore national property.

It hoped the schemes could be implemented soon, especially with Valletta taking on its role as European Capital of Culture in 2018.

In a separate statement, the Malta Union of Teachers said the Budget was a “positive one” in light of the economic situation.

It included an analysis of the Government’s work throughout its legislature and said it continued to invest in education, such as the construction of a new school every year while announcing another four schools.

The union said it noted the investment in Learning Support Assistants and expected that the difficulties in hiring more would be resolved.

Meanwhile, the National Council of Women said the Government was enabling more women to enter the Labour market through Budget measures pledging to set up more childcare and after-school centres.

This was complemented by the tax free year concession when taking up a job again and the possibility of a €1,300 allowance to counteract childcare expenses, it said.