Government continues to penalize basic energy consumption
Zminijietna – Voice of the Left considers Government’s decision to again raise the electricity and water tariffs as from the beginning of next year, as an arrogant decision and one devoid of a social soul. We believe that Government continues penalizing the basic consumption of energy.
We believe surcharge increase will bring more inequality to Malta, which is already characterized by high inflation. The gap between social classes is also being reflected in the use of basic equipment such as water geysers, heaters and flushing. Instead of increasing the surcharge on consumption indiscriminately, the government should ensure that wasteful practices, and not basic consumption, is penalized. The basic rate of energy must remain affordable for all those on low and middle wage income. If anything, this requires a reduction in the surcharge.
It is the Government’s duty to offer policies which take care of families, especially those on a small and medium sized scale. It is also within the government’s duty to not increase the burden on families who make use of a basic level of energy consumption, which is an essential in the everyday life of every family. The right to the use of energy is a universal right and should not be limited to the privileged social classes.”
We call on the Government to conduct a scientific study to calculate the basic consumption of each person. The result of the formula will reflect the reality of what is basic consumption and what is wasteful practice.
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