A thriving economy is the only way forward for any evolving society. It is what makes successful nations tick even at a time of world turmoil and adversities. Those caught in the midst of fire have to face the consequential music, but those which plan ahead, meet their challenges, implement, remain financially resilient, and stay positive through it all, will always be in a better position to achieve even higher goals.
This well-earned bonanza characterises the government's roadmap of taking the country to the next level and provides an excellent backdrop to the budget for 2025, aptly entitled Pajjiż ta' Kwalità. The purpose of creating a country of quality is not pie in the sky or an empty slogan the type of which we used to get so often in pre-2013 years, but it is another strong step forward while still mindful of the pitfalls that may lie ahead. The pandemic and two on-going wars have provided enough evidence of the government's proficient handling of the situation while remaining economically able to offer stability, growth, maintain an insignificant unemployment rate, and a proven commitment to social justice and equality.
Budget 2025 offered a well-earned bonanza to all sectors of Maltese society, a reflection of the nation's solid economic stature confirmed for the umpteenth time by several international agencies and EU institutions. It also defines the three main targets to be addressed: the next phase of its economic plan, finding a better balance between investment and an assigned influx of migrant workers and the establishment of a stronger infrastructure that offers more tranquillity and serenity to Maltese and Gozitan families.
The process will not start in 2025, for it gradually unfolded during the past 11 years, gaining a proper momentum since the last general election (2022) when the incumbent government was elected by a remarkable majority.
The disabilities and voluntary sectors have been major recipients of the nation's implemented policies during the past few years, with a list of undisputably positive measures. 2025 guarantees even more.
In 2023, a tax credit scheme was introduced to support parents of children with disabilities, offering up to €500 to help cover the costs of specialised therapy sessions. The maximum is now being raised to €750. Moreover, this scheme is now being also extended to parents who do not pay tax either because they are unemployed or depend on social benefits. These parents too will receive a maximum of €750 in assistance to help subsidise therapy sessions.
As part of an ongoing reform undertaken by Aġenzija Sapport, a new day centre for senior citizens with disabilities will be opened to help them meet their various needs and challenges. The centre is intended to further stimulate inclusivity and offer senior citizens with disabilities the chance to participate within their communities.
The new centre will also be part of an appropriate programme for senior citizens who do not frequent the existing centres. This will enable the recruitment of younger senior citizens with disabilities into the existing centres.
The new year will also see the introduction of a pilot project at the heart of the island for the establishment of an evening service to persons with severe disabilities, hitherto unprovided.
The service will include programmes, initiatives and collaborations aimed at boosting potential and improving the skills of adult persons with disabilities for them to become active citizens within their own communities. With inclusivity reaffirmed as a priority, the project will offer unstinting support to families of persons with disabilities.
We remain committed to providing more support to the voluntary sector with the allocation next year of €22m to more than 50 Public Social Partnerships the government had entered into with various voluntary organisations active in the social sector. The amount does not include other assistance schemes provided to voluntary organisations. Government support is also provided in the form of spaces, facilities and research opportunities aimed at strengthening the sector as a whole.
A one-stop-shop is to be established in the south of Malta to serve as the first centre for training, resources and research for the benefit of the voluntary sector. The centre will house modern facilities for the training of administrators within the organisations, which would then use them to offer their own training courses.
For Malta and Gozo to nurture the culture of a caring nation and its citizens' belief in the additional value of volunteering, we plan to launch, as a national project, the concept of a voluntary bank holding the details of persons, including members of a profession, who would like to dedicate some of their free time to voluntary work, thus building a central database at the disposal of voluntary organisations.
Once again enterprises, which donate to voluntary organisations in the social, environmental and animal sectors, are essential and are rightly acknowledged with a €500 tax credit.