Budget 2025’s Vision For Education & Sport

Nov 4 2024

The Ministry for Education and Sport has announced several initiatives during the Budget 2025 aimed at enhancing education and promoting sports in Malta, with a total investment of €1 billion.

Key initiatives include the renovation and modernisation of over 100 schools across Malta and Gozo over the next 13 years to improve the learning environment. The government plans to strengthen scholarship programs and introduce tax credits for students.

Additionally, the re-establishment of the Institute of Trades and Crafts is intended to promote skills development. New primary schools will also be developed in Mellieħa and Naxxar to accommodate increasing student numbers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malta Daily (@maltadaily.mt)

To support students beyond the mandatory education age of 16, a special allowance will be introduced. The one-tablet-per-child initiative and literacy programs will be extended, and a €20 grant will be available for purchasing books during the National Book Fair.

Families under Scheme 9 will receive home libraries worth €150, along with a complete review of the curriculum and assessments to enhance educational engagement.

In sports, the Budget 2025 includes six months of free gym membership for youths born between 2005 and 2007.

There will be improvements to sports facilities to meet international standards, and development of the National Motorsport Centre in Ħal Far will continue in collaboration with the Malta Motorsport Federation.

Ongoing support for athletes will be facilitated through SportMalta and the Maltese Olympic Committee, with the completion of several sports facilities, including the National Tennis Centre and the Aquatic and Sports Centre in Rabat, Gozo.

#MaltaDaily

Incentives To Surrender Driving Licenses In New Mobility Plans

Nov 4 2024

As part of the government’s Reshaping Our Mobility campaign, set to tackle Malta’s transport and traffic challenges, incentives are set to be created to urge people to surrender their driving license.

Part of an ambitious plan, the plans not only include incentives for the surrendering of driving licenses, but also incentives to convince youth from obtaining driving licenses as well as to urge private car usage solely during off peak hours.

This forms part of the Employee Transportation Deduction Act, which is one of many parts of the campaign.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malta Daily (@maltadaily.mt)

Other incentives include a 24 hour economy with peak travel hours set for Monday to Friday between 6-9am and 4-7pm) and Saturdays between 9am to 12pm.

Other plans include new park-and-ride facilities, public parking spaces, and digital solutions which will make it easier to find a spot in bustling areas.

New bus routes, circular services in larger localities, and direct routes aim to make public transport faster and more efficient. A full national route map update is also on the way.

What do you think of these plans?

#MaltaDaily

First €1,000 Of People’s Income Now Tax Free, PM Announces

Nov 4 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that the first €1,000 of people’s income is now tax-free, highlighting the “historic” widening of tax brackets introduced in the recent budget.

Speaking at a political event, he said that individuals paying the single tax rate will no longer pay tax on the first €12,000 of their earnings, resulting in savings between €375 and €675 for workers.

Abela emphasised that lower taxes would boost consumption and economic confidence, noting that Malta’s economic growth has more than doubled compared to 2012 under the PN government. He contrasted his government’s approach, which reduced taxes and lowered the debt-to-GDP ratio, with that of the previous PN administration, which raised taxes and increased debt.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that, combined with the rise in children’s allowances, a medium-income family with two children could see an increase of €1,800 in their annual income.

He claimed that energy bills would have soared had the Opposition been in power, accusing them of wanting to privatise energy distribution, which would have led to higher costs.

Abela criticised the PN for attempting to stop government budget adverts on the national broadcaster, mocking their efforts to “gag” his administration. He concluded by saying people now look forward to budgets, knowing they will benefit under his government.

#MaltaDaily

PN Government Would Repeal NI Hike For Post 1976 Workers, Says Grech

Nov 4 2024

Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech promised that a new PN government would repeal the raise in National Insurance (NI) contributions announced in the latest budget, which affects those born after 1976.

The measure, which increases the number of contributions required for a full pension from 41 to 42 years, has been criticised by the PN for effectively forcing some people to work beyond the current retirement age of 65.

During an interview at the PN General Council, Grech stated that this rollback would be one of the first actions taken if his party wins the next election.

Grech also addressed other key issues. He acknowledged the government’s reduction of income tax but said it lacked vision compared to the PN’s own proposals.

He criticised the Labour government’s handling of healthcare, noting that many citizens were forced to seek private treatment due to long waiting times for operations. Grech emphasised that the PN’s long-term economic plan would focus on reducing dependence on foreign workers and encouraging innovation in new sectors.

On development, Grech said the PN supports progress but will ensure that it doesn’t harm residents. He defended the party’s engagement with developers, stating that such meetings are necessary, but stressed that donations would not influence PN policies.

He also reiterated the PN’s pro-life stance on abortion and vowed to modify the recreational cannabis law to ensure respect for public spaces.

#MaltaDaily