It seems that many want the budget for 2017 to include an increase in pension and for the government to come up with schemes aimed at helping those in risk of poverty.

As Parliament is gearing up for the annual budget speech by Minister Edward Scicluna on Monday, The Malta Independent went to Paola and Sliema to find out more about the people's expectations.

Many mentioned the need to have their pension increased and others want better access to health services and schemes to help reduce traffic congestion.

More localities will be visited in the next few days.