400 tariff increases will affect economy, competitiveness - PN

400 tariff increases will affect economy, competitiveness - PN • Video by Ray Attard

Shadow minister for the economy Claudio Grech and speaker for public administration Censu Galea have called on the government to discuss 400 tariff increases proposed in this year’s budget.

In a press conference, Grech and Galea talked about the importance of public administration, particularly as it pertains to the economy.

Public administration is in fact where these tariff increases will take effect. Act 74, discussed in parliament yesterday, includes a number of measures mentioned in the Budget and how they would translate into law.

“The minister gave no details on what these tariffs would be in the budget,” the PN representatives said. “On average, there will be a 10% increase in most tariffs.”

All the tariffs in question are related to the provision of public services, mostly to court procedures.

“The increase is not a result of an improvement in the services, so there is not clear reason why the tariffs are being raised.”

They also made mention of Malta’s investment in electronic infrastructure – Malta was voted first in the EU in this respect.

“This should mean that there are less administrative costs, since more services are being offered online.”

The government, the Nationalist party maintained, is contradicting itself by increasing these tariffs when it previously committed itself to reducing bureaucracy and red tape.

“The impact of these 400 taxes will be felt by the Maltese and Gozitan people, and will lead to less competitiveness for the country.”

The PN called on the government to discuss and address these tariff increases before they are actually implemented, and to explain why they are needed.