The Labour Party on Friday welcomed the entry into force of the national anti-poverty strategy and in favour of strengthening social inclusion, with a vision for the next 10 years to further address the social needs.
The five principles of the strategy are fundamental for the Labour Party, namely an inclusive environment, empowerment, equal opportunities, solidarity with those most in need and an improvement in people's quality of life. The strategy consists of 165 recommendations that are intended for Malta to remain among the countries with the lowest rate of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion in the European Union.
In more than 10 years, the percentage of those at risk of poverty or social exclusion decreased from 24.6% in 2013 to 19.8% in 2023. Severe material deprivation has more than halved in 10 years (from 10% in 2013 to 4% in 2023), leaving today a third of what we had 10 years ago. Material deprivation decreased from 20% in 2013 to just over 8% in 2023, while today there are one third of those who 10 years ago depended on social assistance.
These results are being achieved in view of the measures being carried out by the Labour Government in the past 12 years to tackle poverty and social exclusion. Among these measures is the increase of the minimum wage by €60 per week; a COLA of almost €49 per week; the additional COLA from €100 to €1,500 per year; the increase in Children's Allowance up to almost €700 per year per child; the increase of €70 per week to all pensioners after 10 consecutive increases apart from the COLA; as well as €850 million in subsidy in electricity and water bills in 4 years.
The Labour Party has always been, remains and remains the only shield of workers and families with the creation of economic wealth and quality jobs. While there is still work to be done, with this strategy and the work by the Government, the social soul of the Labour Party continues to be confirmed and the social justice that the Labour Government is carrying out with workers and families because in recent years, it has been supportive of Maltese families through strong and robust social measures.