Utility tariffs will increase social inequality further
The Budget does not offer enough compensation and protection to make up for the heavy social burdens faced by thousands of workers, pensioners and families. Zminijietna – Voice of the Left believes that the fiscal revisions and cost of living compensation given will not suffice to make up for the hefty increase in the cost of living and the utility tariffs will further increase social inequality.
We appeal to government to penalise wasteful practices and subsidise normal energy consumption. Government should also carry out a scientific analysis, wide consultation and not impose such anti-social measures. Although the budget makes a number of positive proposals, there is not enough peace of mind for low and middle-income earners.
Whilst we agree that energy efficient cars should be incentivised, this should not be carried out in a socially regressive manner which will result in hefty costs for those who cannot afford new cars. It is positive to introduce incentives for solar energy. It is unlikely that these will have significant impacts on households given the prohibitive capital costs for such energy and given that apartments have lack of access for such energy. It would have been wise for government to retain schemes which incentivise the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and for government to invest directly in solar energy in public places.
It is positive that government will once again subsidise first-time buyers. However, the scheme should be more accessible across society, as the housing problem is causing social strain amongst various social groups.
The incentives aimed to encourage increased female participation in employment, whilst positive, will not address the major problem faced by thousands of families, namely the need for better working conditions which permit a healthier work-family balance and affordable childcare centres.
Zminijietna welcomes positive measures such as investment against breast cancer, increase in funds for research, increase in funds for local councils and incentives for industry and tourism.
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