The Nationalist government’s decision to increase utility bills and surcharge confirms its outlook on energy strategy as merely an accounting exercise, said Malta Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat.

The MLP, said its leader, had advised the government to take into consideration economic and social impacts, as the measure was expected to hit badly small business and low and medium income families.

Less disposable income coupled with higher prices, said Dr Muscat, adversely affects business, national productivity and competitiveness.

Dr Muscat noted that constituted bodies said they were not consulted over the issue and called the less-than-expected rise in the surcharge as a predictable ploy.

The Labour leader criticised the government for introducing a new tariff regime for utilities, which it called a structural solution to structural problems. Yet the regime failed to appear in the PN electoral programme.

Dr Muscat said the MLP will consult and discuss alternative strategies in view of the Nationalist government’s lack of ideas.