8% of children lived in desperate poverty in 2021 reveals data

Apr 26 2022

Somber statistics released by the National Statistics Office showed that 7.8% of children in 2021 were living in households suffering from severe material and social deprivation.

Around 28,000 people suffered from severe deprivation last year, with almost 50,000 people suffering deprivation in at least five of 13 categories.

The measurements were carried out by the European Statistics on Income and Living Conditions survey (EU-SILC). The NSO said that material and social deprivation stood at 9.8%, which translates to 49,769 people.

The severe material and social deprivation rate stood at 5.5%, with both measurements seeing an increase of 0.4 points compared to 2020. The survey measures people’s perception of their ability to afford 13 material or social items.

7.8% of people lived in households that could not keep the home adequately warm in winter, whereas 33.1% of people live in households that cannot pay for one week’s annual holiday away from home.

However, there were significant declines in poverty when compared to previous years. 1.8% of people lived in households that could not afford a car, a decline of 0.6 points over 2020.

Similarly, 15.9% of people livd in households that cannot replace worn-out furniture, a decline of 0.5 points. The Social Policy Ministry stated that despite the economic consequences of the pandemic, the government’s support measures helped keep poverty at a low level.

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Government covering Enemalta losses every month

Apr 26 2022

The government has taken to compensating Enemalta for its financial losses on a monthly losses due to a plan to keep electricity tariffs stable despite skyrocketing costs.

Following a report issued by credit rating agency S&P, Enemalta’s losses were fully covered by the government in 2021. This is set to continue this year, with the government committing €200 million to protect consumers from rising energy prices.

Enemalta continued to sell electricity to consumers at 2014 prices, despite its costs to provide the same energy for sale to the domestic market having soared considerably.

S&P stated that prices for energy imported via the inter-connector, which represents 25-30% of Enemalta’s requirements, increased by 154%. This means it rose from an average of €58.09/mWh in 2020 to €148.02.mWh in 2021.

The company stated that this was necessary because the ‘regulatory framework in Malta does not automatically protect the company from the rise in commodity prices no from decline in consumption volumes and also as it is the Maltese government’s policy to keep prices stable.’

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Benna are bringing back the Coconut Milkshake and people are hyped AF

Apr 26 2022

After bidding farewell to the coconut milkshake back in 2019, Benna have just announced the return of the beloved drink.

The company had revealed that they were making space for a comeback with a twist and now, 3 years later, the coconut milkshake will be hitting our shelves once again.

Benna are known for their iconic tastes in milkshakes, with classics like the playful Bubblegum Milkshake and the Red Velvet Milkshake.

Benna hinted that something is coming back yesterday, asking followers of the brand which taste they suspect. Many guessed correctly, and will now be satisfied to pour a glass of their favourite Benna Milkshake.

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Iconic Balzan Diamond House facade saved following appeal

Apr 26 2022

The Planning Authority has approved a new batch of plans which set to incorporate the unique facade of a modernist building in Balzan.

The PA has reversed the decision to allow the complete demolition of Villa Walmerville, which is a pink, modernist terraced house from the 1960s on Old Railway Avenue.

The decision had initially sparked public outrage last year in the architectural community, going on to trigger an unprecedented appeal by the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage.

The PA’s appeal tribunal revoked the permit issued in 2021, ordering the PA to process new plans which envisage the retention of the building’s facade. Three new floors built in the same architectural style will be built.

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