The government is putting forward a legal amendment so that social benefits and social housing benefits are protected from having their funds blocked by court orders. 

During a joint press conference on Friday by Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis and Social Solidarity Minister Michael Falzon, it was explained that this change will be one that will bring social justice to those affected. 

Minister Falzon noted that the limit of around €700 will no longer be imposed. 

“This is a positive measure that will help hundreds of people who are facing financial and social pressures. Administrative work will also be increased, thus reducing bureaucracy,” Falzon added. 

He stressed that this change is also being made with the cooperation that the government has found on the part of the Malta Bankers Association. 

In addition, Justice Minister Zammit Lewis highlighted that this bill is being designed to ensure that the citizen has the right to live a decent life, especially those who come from a difficult social background.

“The main aim of this move is to ensure that those on social benefits will have timely access to their money and will not have to go to lawyers every month to ask for access to the funds from the court,” he said.