Although the Nationalist government has promised to reduce the surcharge on water and electricity bills from 59.5 to 54 per cent, it is still failing to address the financial crisis being faced by many families, elderly people and persons with disabilities, said Labour’s main spokeswomen for social solidarity Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

In a statement, Ms Coleiro Preca said that many of these people are being faced with great difficulties and this a strong lack of social conscience from the government’s part.

She said the Nationalist government has also failed to explain clearly the criteria for one to be exempt from the surcharge – a measure that was announced during the budget speech last October in order to help people who have been said to be living on social benefits.

The Labour MP said there are a number of families, elderly people and persons with disabilities who might not necessarily be living on social benefits, but their income is practically as much as, or less than the income of those who receive social assistance.

The annual increase in the cost of electricity in Malta is the second highest rate in the EU, according to the latest statistics published by Eurostat, said Ms Coleiro Preca, adding that according to a survey published by the EU’s Foundation for Living and Working Conditions in 2004, many people who find difficulties in paying service bills like those for water and electricity, are living at a risk of poverty.