Former Prime Minister and Labour leader Alfred Sant has joined a growing list of critics to the Prime Minister's idea to grant compensation to firms which suffered damage during Storm Harry even if they were breaking planning laws.

In his bi-weekly blog, Sant says that "the strongest comment made was by some who claimed that the government, with its array of valid subsidies, should not give support to firms which broke the law by illegally setting up commercial facilities and who will now come to request compensation for their loss. Such arguments make sense and deserve being listened to."

Sant joined the Chamber of Commerce, Momentum, ADPD, Repubblika and several residents' associations who criticised the Prime Minister for not banning such companies from seeking compensation.

Speaking to journalists, Abela explained that compliance with planning laws would be treated separately from emergency assistance. He said the government was willing to help all affected businesses when livelihoods were at stake.

The Transport Ministry recently announced a €1 million fund to compensate for damage to private property caused by the storm where losses are not covered by insurance. Individuals, NGOs and businesses may claim up to €5,000 each.

Read Alfred Sant's blog here

This is the second time in a week that Sant has criticised the Prime Minister.

Last week, Sant wrote that the resignation of Affordable Housing Minister Roderick Galdes "has confirmed how wrong is the government's decision to discontinue the annual publication of the detailed returns by ministers and parliamentary secretaries about their income, assets and financial obligations".