Robert Abela Proposes Increase in Tax Refund to €400 a Year for Children’s Activities

Speaking in Santa Venera, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced new measures aimed at making extracurricular activities more accessible and affordable for families, while encouraging increased participation among children.

Under the revised scheme, the tax refund available to parents for expenses related to extracurricular activities will be increased by €100, bringing the total annual refund to €400. The incentive covers a wide range of after-school activities, including sports, artistic, and cultural programmes, with the goal of supporting children’s holistic development and easing financial pressures on households.

The government also confirmed that the scheme will be extended to cover additional sporting activities. This includes children enrolled in football academies, as well as those participating in newer disciplines such as hybrid training, including obstacle course racing (OCR). The move reflects a broader effort to align support with evolving interests among young people.

The initiative forms part of a wider strategy to promote healthier, more active lifestyles and to ensure that cost does not become a barrier to participation in activities that contribute to children’s physical, social, and creative growth.

Separately, the Prime Minister also announced the introduction of a nationwide Body Mass Index (BMI) screening programme in schools, aimed at identifying children at risk of obesity at an early stage and providing targeted support through professional guidance.

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