The Nationalist Party has spoken about out how a report released by the National Audit Office (NAO) shows that low-income households are not receiving enough income to enjoy a decent standard of living.

“Robert Abela's government has lost its social conscience,” the PN said in a statement signed by PN MPs David Agius, Ivan Bartolo and Albert Buttigieg.

The report stated that families who depend on social benefits, or those who have not paid the stamp duty, live a low standard of life.

The PN said what was written in the report shows that, although the government says it is socialist; in reality it has lost its social conscience.

The report also says that a family of four who is financially vulnerable and has no choice but to rely on these contributions is not given enough income to live a decent life, the PN noted.

“This continues to show that the main objective of social benefits is not being achieved.”

“On the other hand, the report says that the minimum annual expenditure for a family of two adults and two children is €15,185, while the minimum annual expenditure for a decent life is €26,389 per year. However, a family on social benefits has a total disposable income of €12,478.”

This is a clear indication that people are living in poverty, the PN said.

The benefits, the PN said, are supposed to support vulnerable people who have to depend on these contributions to strengthen their income.

The PN said that although these people need a lot of support, the government is “abandoning them.”

The PN added that whilst all this is taking place, people close to Abela’s circle are “constantly pigging out” on people’s money.

“The Nationalist Party reiterates that not only should this situation be reviewed and addressed to ensure that the most vulnerable are given enough income to help them live a dignified life, but also that they are given support to ensure that they have a quality standard of living.”