Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/585015
3 Budget 2016 maltatoday, TUESDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2015 BUDGET MEASURES ing Triq Xatt is-Sajjieda into a pe- destrian zone. White certificates for energy- saving hotels A PPP will hand out white certifi- cates to hotels that invest in sus- tainable energy, certificates that they will then be able to exchange for grants or other fiscal incen- tives. Relocation of ITS to Smart City €56 million will be invested in relocating the Institute of Tour- ism Studies to Smart City. An ex- pression of interest will be issued for the regeneration of the tourism school's current Pembroke premis- es. A St George's Bay Regeneration Cooperation will be set up to syn- ergise private development works around the popular St. Julian's bay. Study on a Malta-Gozo tunnel Technical and geological stud- ies will be commissioned on the creation of a tunnel that will link Malta and Gozo. The proposal for a bridge linking the two islands has been scrapped, as a tunnel poten- tially financed by the private sector has been deemed more feasible. Incentives for Gozitan businesses to hire workers Every Gozitan business that hires an employee on a minimum three- year contract will receive a refund of 20% of the average wage, capped at €5,000 per business. Gozitan students' allowance The annual allowance for Gozi- tan students studying in Malta will increase by €300. Tax incentives for donations to the arts People who donate money to the arts will see their taxes slashed by 150% of the value of their donation. Sports The Hal-Kirkop sporting complex will be upgraded and the Cottonera Sports Complex will be extended. The Marsa horse-racing track and Marsa sports complex will also be upgraded. A White Paper will be launched aimed at finding means through which sports organisations can at- tract further investment in their fa- cilities. Sports facilities will be built at the Gudja Youth Village. Waiting lists A PPP will be set up to reduce wait- ing lists for people who require hip and knee replacements. New hospital beds A new block at Mater Dei will add 68 new beds to the national hospital. Medicines at your doorstep A pilot project will be launched that will see medicines delivered di- rectly to people's homes. Paediatric emergency services A specialised paediatric emergency service will be introduced for chil- dren. Diabetes medicine New medicines to treat diabetes will be added to the government's formulary list. MEPA split MEPA will be split up into two separate authorities – one focused on the environment and the other focused on planning. Food waste Public consultation will be held over the possibility of designing a new law that will regulate food waste. Pitkali crates Electronic identification chips will be installed on Pitkali crates Leave after IVF treatment Leave from work will be granted to couples, for a number of days after IVF treatment. Disability hub A new hub will be set up for peo- ple with a disability, so as to promote their inclusion and participation in communities. The hub will include private residences, a hostel, a respite centre, shops, a pool, a day centre, and an underground parking space. Social housing The Housing Authority will un- dertake maintenance and beautifica- tion programmes on social housing estates in Hamrun, Ta' Giorni and Pembroke. €50 million will be invested into the development of new social hous- ing blocks. Expropriation compensation 200 or so people each owed up to €50,000 in compensation for expro- priated land will be paid in full. PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ATTARD Minister Scicluna presenting the budget under the watchful eye of the Prime Minister