The General Workers’ Union Youths yesterday expressed its concern about the socio-economic situation of young Maltese and Gozitan families and requested the government to provide incentives to help ease their burden.

“The government needs to implement policies that provide a breath of fresh air to young couples and provide incentives to those bringing up children while creating a mechanism that will review the surcharge on water and electricity bills,” it said.

The government should also restrain the ever-increasing price of property, which is burdening young couples for a long period of time.

In a statement, the GWU Youths said its members spoke to various families who complained about the high surcharge in the last water and electricity bill they received.

During the festive season, many young couples made a sacrifice and held back from buying presents or going out to try and make ends meet, they added.

This burden, along with other household expenses, inflation, and educational expenses are not allowing young couples to spend a small part of their salary on entertainment and quality time, the GWU Youths said.