The Malta Chamber of SMEs proposed a VAT reduction from the current 18% to 15.5% in order to help small businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic. COVID-19’s impact meant increases in costs, lower sales and less spending power. The reduction of VAT was proposed to minimise the impact of the current inflation whilst also ensure that the government does not lose money. 

The Chamber spoke about the impacts small businesses suffered due to the pandemic in 2021. This was done during the Business Performance Survey Results conference on Monday, with the survey being conducted online with a turnout of 250 respondents. 25% of the respondents were part of the Retail, Import, Distribution and Wholesale sector. Sales levels, followed by cash flow, were some of the financial constraints which were of particular concern for small business. There was also a definite element of uncertainty due to COVID and the upcoming election. 

The majority of respondents agreed that the pandemic is something which they must live with and that restrictions should be eased. This includes quarantine restrictions. Several businesses claimed to have suffered a hindrance in performance due to quarantine rules, as 13% reported that 30% or more of their employees had to undergo quarantine. The 2021 turnover compared to the year before showed an increase due to the public having accepted the pandemic as it is, improving consumer confidence. However, many other businesses whose turnover decreased, said it was worse than 2020. 

Energy costs were also another reason which affected turnover, where despite the Maltese government subsidising these costs in Malta, the impact of inflation was still felt in other countries. This resulting in a decrease in spending power. Travel restrictions, low tourism and unfair or increased competition also affected the turnover. Businesses showed that 39% made less profit than 2020, with 32% remaining the same, and only 29% making more profit. 38% of respondents also remained neutral on whether they were satisfied with overall business sales in the first weeks of 2022.

20% and 15% responded being dissatisfied and very dissatisfied. Despite this, an overwhelming 44% of respondents that 2022 will have better results than 2021. When asked about challenges, 16% of respondents are concerned with the general increasing costs and 14% expect COVID-19 recovery challenges. 10% of respondents are worried about the uncertainty which the general election brings about. 

Among proposals was the removal of SISA/Excise Tax which refers to the hidden tax aside from VAT which is found in every-day consumer goods such as water, shampoo and hair products. This would theoretically let small businesses recover more progressively and eventually reach the pre-pandemic mark of 2019. The use of these products increased during the pandemic due to a greater need for cleanliness. A five-day quarantine for positive cases is also being proposed, along with another 5 days of mask-wearing after quarantine. 

The facilitation of Third Country Nationals employments was also proposed, to address the issue of a lack of Human Resources and a non-productive wage inflation. The lobbying at the EU level to harmonise travel rules in the single EU area was also proposed. 

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