The Budget will see funds earmarked for a reform in the justice system including the creation of new courts, according to Finance Minister Edward Scicluna.
He was giving the opening address this evening at a pre-Budget consultation meeting at the Phoenicia Hotel.
Prof. Scicluna said he had just had a lengthy meeting with Justice Parliamentary Secretary Owen Bonnici, who is piloting the reform.
"Court delays cost people time and money," Prof. Scicluna said, adding that justice reform was a priority for the Government. "We will invest in the idea [justice reform] including the creation of new courts."
Reacting to a comment from the floor on the need to strengthen the number of VAT inspections, Prof. Scicluna said he was taken aback during the feast of St Helen in Birkirkara when he saw inspectors asking for receipts in the various bars.
"There is a time and place for everything. I could not tell the inspectors anything but I want to know whether this was routine practice or whether it was decided this year because when decisions have no explanation people are right to complain they are being picked upon."
Prof. Scicluna said he wanted to ensure that tax enforcement was done in an equitable way.
He said the Budget would include measures for the introduction of free child care centres and the bolstering the Club 3-16 that caters for after school hours.
He insisted teachers would not be asked to continue working after school, with reference to a controversy that erupted last week.
Prof. Scicluna said youngsters will be encouraged to invest in a private pension through tax incentives.
TAX PENALTIES AMNESTY
Near the end of the meeting, Prof Scicluna announced that an amenesty for tax dafaultERs would be announced. This would include income tax and VAT. He said the amnestry would be on some of the fines and the related interest, but he insisted that all thax due would have to be paid.
The government, he said, would also be reducing penalties related to tax, and it will engage in a concerted effort to fight tax evasion.