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2387 families receive strong rent benefit

2387 families receive strong rent benefit
Jun 9 2021 Share

Minister for Social Accommodation Roderick Galdes stated that there are 2,387 families who are receiving the strong rent benefit that came into force in 2019. Stating that this is one of the best initiatives which assisted thousands of families, this ‘revolution’ in social policy is one that is not only ‘aimed at helping the family cope, but also at helping it move forward.’ The Rent Benefit came into effect in preparation for the reform of residential rents, with the Housing Benefit replacing the old subsidy which would have, according to Galdes, given rise to abuse.

Instead of the aforementioned subsidy, the benefit reaches up to €5,000 a year or €417 a month, whilst providing different amounts to beneficiaries with different circumstances. Calculated according to the family’s income, an amount is issued to ensure the family does not pay more than 25% of available income on rent. Beneficiaries receive an average of €2,783 in annual benefits. In some cases, the Housing Authority covers up to 45% of the rent.

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Photo Source: Roderick Galdes FB

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EU travellers with vaccine passports to enter Malta freely starting 1st July

EU travellers with vaccine passports to enter Malta freely starting 1st July
Jun 9 2021 Share

EU travellers will be able to enter Malta freely should they hold a vaccine certificate starting 1st July 2021, with Maltese citizens being able to use their own certificates to travel throughout the EU as well. Malta’s legal notice has stated that vaccine certificate will be available for 6 months, whereas the EU highlighted that the certificates will be in effect for 12 months.

National authorities will issue certificates free of charge, and will be available in either digital or paper format containing a QR code. Indicating whether a person is vaccinated, has had a negative PCR test or recovered from infection, the package will re-establish movement throughout the EU.

MEPS also secured agreements which disallow EU states from imposing additional travel restrictions on certificate holders – such as quarantine. Should other restrictions be necessary, a notification 48 hours in advance should be given to member states and Commission, with public given 24-hour notice in advance.

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Photo Source: VoteWatch Europe, European Commission Twitter

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Over 6000 passengers carried by Gozo Fast Ferry in single week

Over 6000 passengers carried by Gozo Fast Ferry in single week
Jun 9 2021 Share

During its first week of operation, the Gozo Fast Ferry carried more than 6,000 passengers on a high-speed voyage between Valletta and Mgarr, Gozo. The service also added extra trips to cope with the massive demand which rose during the long weekend. Since the fast ferry’s launch on Wednesday of last week, 3000 people downloaded the company app which lets them buy tickets for the boat rides.

The company stated that the positive feedback was overwhelming, with the increased demand showing how people were very much ‘itching’ for such a service. People also used their Tallinja card to simply tap-and-board without having the need to pre-book a ticket. As tourism reopens following the pandemic’s massive pressure on the sector, the company expects that the service will continue to receive such demand and usage.

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Photo Source: Gozo Fast Ferry FB

The Malta BBQ League announced!

The Malta BBQ League announced!
Jun 9 2021 Share

Are you a lover of all things BBQ? – from the food, to the atmosphere and everything related to the sound of sizzling burgers and sausage? The Malta BBQ League has just been announced and is looking for teams of two people to participate in the competition. The league will kick off during the summer on TVM, with Danusan hosting the first ever Maltese edition.

Professional Maltese chefs will be invited to choose who will move on to the final rounds of the competition, with €10,000 worth of gifts for the victors. Ranging from professional BBQ sets to outdoor kitchens, these prizes could be yours if you decide to participate and emerge victorious. Follow The Malta BBQ League page to stay up to date. Applications close on Sunday 13th June.

You can register here.

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Photo Source: Danusan FB, Eric Mclean, The Malta BBQ League