Families with children should benefit from tax relief for each child, the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin will argue today in a policy document dealing with social issues.

The document, entitled 2015 People’s Social Vision, coincides with the 44th anniversary of the union’s foundation.

“Once it is acknowledged that strong families are the backbone of society, public funds should be directed towards the sustainability of strong families,” the union argues, insisting every effort should be made to provide financial or other assistance to all types of family models.

However, while acknowledging the existence of various family types, the document insists on the traditional model as being the bedrock of society and steers clear from tackling sensitive subjects such as divorce and gay partnerships.

The union also proposes the extension of family-friendly measures in the public sector to employees in the private sector.

Apart from the family, the document talks about education, health, the electronic revolution, democratic institutions and a better quality of life.

Another suggestion deals with the appointment of chairmen in regulatory authorities with the union proposing these be appointed by the President after being approved by a two thirds parliamentary majority.

The document is the union’s response to the government’s Vision 2015, which according to the UĦM only deals with the economic perspective. Meant to encourage social dialogue, the document is intended to ensure the social aspect “will remain at the core and the very heart of all economic measures and decisions”.

The proposals were drawn up by various focus groups set up by the union earlier this summer with the contribution of Fr Peter Serracino Inglott, who helped identify the sectors that had to be dealt with.