Since the beginning of January, government budgetary measures have started to be implemented, supporting families and businesses as much as has been done during the past eleven years. Budget 2025 stands out as a beacon of support, offering quality, forward-thinking initiatives that promise to enhance the lives of diverse families.

If I had to label it, I would call it a "budget of well-being", as it places a strong emphasis on physical, mental, and social health for all generations. I always emphasize that the future is now, because the new generations are living the moment. The government is definitely not Scrooge when it comes to social well-being; and the truth is that nobody can accuse government that it is investing in people because elections are somewhere soon.

Here I will delve into three key measures introduced in the budget that I believe will make a meaningful difference in the lives of families in 2025 and beyond, especially those with young children, young adults, and individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

Quality

As a mother, as a person who has lived through yearly budgets, I can immediately understand whether measures introduced are truly beneficial to families or otherwise not.

First, parents who take their children for various therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychological sessions have, for the past two years, benefited from a scheme where, after applying through the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, they receive a tax rebate. It was announced last October in the budget for this year, with eligible parents will get a rebate of €750 annually. For the first time, parents who, due to the care required for their children, are unable to work and therefore do not pay taxes will still be entitled to this support.

Youth and older age

Second, Budget 2025 is introducing six months free gym membership for young adults between 18 to 20-year-olds. The government has already issued a call of interest for gym owners to take part in the measure that provides free membership for six months to young people born between 2005 and 2007. This initiative, announced in Budget 2025, aims to promote a healthier lifestyle, both from the point of view of mental health and that of good nutrition.

The measure is part of a wider strategy of the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, which also includes projects such as increasing physical activities in schools. Minister Clifton Grima has reiterated that the strategy aims to make physical activity an integral part of everyday life.

Currently there are a total of 14,531 young people between 18 and 20 years.  A total of 11,508 Maltese citizens and 3,023 foreigners.  There are 7,669 young males and 6,862 young women. Interested gym owners can apply by 21 February 2025. After the system is activated, eligible young people will be able to apply for this membership, which will be fully paid for by the Government.

As a mother of twins who have started enjoying sports at a later age in life, I definitely put my mind at rest that once reaching this age my children of 8 years today will have many social measures that they will benefit from, all through Labour Government budgets. I would like to ask whether it's time to start discussing whether it would be beneficial to introduce such a measure to people of older age because there are those who despite age, are still active and sports is part of their lifestyle. Age cannot hinder physical activity.

Mental health

Third, mental health. As a mother, as a family who has gone through different stages and rough times in life, I cannot but not commend the €4.5m put towards programmes bringing mental health services close to the homes of those in need and sessions through video calls. This investment will assist approximately 90,000 people in the community where there will be initiatives related to awareness, accessibility and to target stigma related to mental health.

Mental Health First aid courses will provide more assistance on how to identify people who are going through a bad patch in life. With the collaboration of Local Councils, it is envisaged that one on one sessions will be held in the community. These will be conducted by professionals in the sector. Furthermore, a Call Out service will be introduced. Professionals will be assisting through Local Councils identifying people and evaluating whether they need services related to mental health.

With all these social measures taking place including the free phone 1,579 related to mental health, we will definitely see a difference in the well-being of different generations.

Compassionate approach

Budget 2025 is a comprehensive and compassionate approach to improving the lives of families and individuals, particularly in terms of well-being. The introduction of financial support for parents caring for children in need of therapy, the provision of free gym memberships for young adults, and the significant investment in mental health services reflect a government deeply committed to enhancing quality of life for all citizens.

These measures are not just symbolic; they offer tangible support that will benefit thousands. As we look ahead to the future, it is clear that the Labour Government is shaping a society where well-being is at the heart of its policy decisions, setting a powerful example for other nations, where such initiatives are still lacking. It is a budget that promises a brighter, healthier, and more inclusive future for families of all kinds.

Claudette Abela Baldacchino is a former Labour MEP