Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1540988
THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION Best budget ever Julia Farrugia - Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector THE day following Clyde Caruana's Budget speech last Monday people woke up pondering over the incredible change that has occurred in the national psyche since merely twelve years ago. It almost felt surreal to realise that Malta's economic success is now bearing the fruit we all believed it would, and the primary beneficiaries are the families of Malta and Gozo. Way back in 1992, James Carville, then a Bill Clinton strategist, had quipped: "It's the economy, stupid", a term since used and abused by politicians all over the globe. Tackling the economy, how- ever, depends a lot on one's ideologi- cal standpoints in the ongoing debate about methods and strategies, pro- gressive attitudes as opposed to the austerity dependence of conservative and right-wing governments that have brought much of Europe to its knees. This is the loudest message that the 2026 Budget sends to people and their families as they calculate the new and boosted benefits they will receive. In the Maltese psyche, pre-2013 Budget-eve trepidations have transformed into a keen sense of positivity that not only re- flects hugely on such economic vantage points as domestic consumption, job mobility, booming businesses, success- ful enterprises, and new lifestyles, but al- so provides long-term security, general wellness, and sundry opportunities. With a total allocation of €69 million, representing an increase of more than €9.3 million, this is in addition to sever- al line-item funds from other ministries, focused on schemes and initiatives that promote inclusion. It has to be said that Budget 2026 also strikes a remarkable note in the Inclusion and Voluntary sectors where economic success leads to better avenues for financial support, equal opportunities, and a peace-of- mind state of belonging to persons with disabilities and their families and carers, as well as the various voluntary organi- sations that do a splendid job in a grow- ing integrated society. In the case of the Disability sector, the figures announced by Minister Carua- na speak for themselves. Persons with disabilities, their families and carers are among the prime beneficiaries. A quick look at this table (to the right) suffices. There is also a €179.24 increase in the Carers' Grant taking the annual total to €5,368.89. This Grant, which covers half the minimum wage, is now also being provided to unemployed parents of un- der-16 children with severe disabilities. An increase of €250 for an annual total of €1,000 per child with disability as a re- fund to cover therapy sessions. Eligibility age has been extended to 23 years from 16. Assistance to senior citizens and per- sons with disabilities residing in private homes and respite centres Senior citizens and persons with dis- abilities who opt to reside in a private facility help stem the pressure on State institutions. The annual sum of €2,500 to help them with their fees has now been set at €4,500. National Insurance credit Parents who temporarily stop working to be able to raise their children have not been overlooked. While hitherto they received National Insurance credit until their child reached six years of age, and in the case of a child with disability or rare disease, 10 years, as from 2026, the maximum eligibility age will be 10 years for the first three offspring, with an extra year added per child in the case of families with more than three. The max- imum age limit will not apply to families with at least one child with disability or rare disease. Disability benefit The process of medical evaluation will, as from next year, also include persons with disabilities whose rating of func- tional limitations are not low, but slight- ly less than average. This fourth level of eligible applicants will now receive 75% of the established Disability Assistance. Rabat inclusivity hub and a respite cen- tre at Ħad-Dingli The issue of inclusion within our com- munities is of paramount importance. Aġenzija Sapport and the Rabat Local Council will be collaborating on the project of Malta's first inclusivity hub. The project will provide space not only to persons with disabilities but also to the young, senior citizens and voluntary organisations, giving them the opportu- nity to join in community activities that generate inclusion. A new respite centre will be opened at Ħad-Dingli next year, catering for young and minors with disabilities whose at- tendance there, under professional su- pervision, would serve as a much-need- ed respite to their families. More accessible transportation servic- es As part of an enhanced Empowerment Scheme and a continued commitment to a just and inclusive society, the pro- vision of such services is now being ex- tended to all wheelchair-bound persons on the Island, including senior citizens and persons with intellectual disabilities who cannot make use of public trans- port. Credit on utilities to voluntary organi- sations in the disability and animal wel- fare sectors Budget 2026 recognises the role of vol- untary organisations in the country and their socio-economic impact on society. Those of them in the disability and an- imal welfare sectors will benefit from a beneficial incentive on their electricity and water payments which to date, are calculated at non-residential rates. More than 80 voluntary organisations are ex- pected to benefit from this scheme. Fur- thermore, the existing tax credit scheme for private companies that make dona- tions to voluntary organizations working in the social, environmental, and animal welfare sectors — with a tax credit of up to €500 — will remain in effect. A new scheme is to be launched to help NGOs in renovating and upgrading their premises from which they operate in serving the community. A million in aid of Special Olympics Malta 2026 will see €1 million in aid to Spe- cial Olympics Malta as they continue to sustain their services to athletes with disabilities, including the personal de- velopment of those among them with intellectual disabilities. During the com- ing year, this aid will help SOM in its endeavour to organise an international swimming event for persons with intel- lectual disabilities from about 50 differ- ent countries. Given the highly positive reaction to the Budget from social partners, unions, employers, associations and organisa- tions from across these islands, it is no wonder Minister Caruana's dishful of commitments and pledges for next year has been widely described as the "best budget ever". Benefit Increase New weekly rates Added Assistance for Severe Disability € 6.89 € 206.50 Assistance for Severe Disability € 4.66 € 134.56 Disability Assistance € 4.66 € 107.28 Assistance to persons with limited vision € 4.66 € 134.56 Added Allowance to Carers € 4.66 € 183.68 Allowance to Carers € 4.66 € 130.58 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 NOVEMBER 2025