Social housing not enough, Alliance Against Poverty warns

The social accommodation provided by the State is not enough, the Alliance Against Poverty has warned, becoming the latest organisation to urge the government to take action.

“The price of private social housing market is causing further difficulties for families already in financial difficulties into poverty if not pushing them into destitution,” the alliance said.

It also expressed agreement with the Forum Komunità Bormliża (FKB) that there should be a mechanism that controls the price of private social accommodation. In an interview with Sunday newspaper Illum, FKB representative Yana Mintoff Bland proposed the rent should not increase more than 5% of the average of a particular area or zone.

The alliance, motivated by the ideals of the struggle for social justice, particularly the fair distribution of wealth, said that the discussion on the minimum wage incorporated the basic minimum income for a decent life by everybody.

“The Alliance notes with satisfaction that poverty has been put on the political agenda, thanks to the laborious work of Caritas, and  feels that it is not just, that while the economy is booming, thousands are lagging behind and are not enjoying any of the wealth created.

“AAK also notes with satisfaction that the government is committing itself that benefits to disabled persons who are not in a position to work will be raised to the level of the minimum wage, never the less there are others, such as a number of pensioners and people on social benefits, whose income does not guarantee them a decent living.”  

The alliance also insisted that poverty is not juggled by politicians for political partisan gains: “Everybody’s motivation should be eradicating poverty and ensuring that no one falls behind.”