?A new measure has been announced to support voluntary organisations working in the fields of disability and animal welfare, in the form of credit on electricity and water bills.

This was announced by the Ministry for Inclusion and Voluntary Work, together with the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS).

Minister for Inclusion and Voluntary Work, Julia Farrugia, together with the CEO of the MCVS, Mauro Pace Parascandolo, spoke about the measure during a visit they made to an animal sanctuary run by the Malta Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (MSPCA) in Floriana.

In recognition of the vital contribution that voluntary organisations make to Maltese society, and their financial pressures, a credit scheme on electricity and water bills is being introduced for eligible organisations.

It was explained that accordingly, those organisations involved in disability-related and animal welfare services will be able to apply to reclaim the money they have paid on electricity and water bills up to a maximum of €1,500 per year for small and medium-sized organisations (Categories registered as 1 and 2) and up to a maximum of €2,500 per year for large organisations (Category 2).

This measure, which has €100,000 allocated to it, will apply to electricity and water supplied to properties registered and used by organisations eligible for this scheme.

The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector will be publishing full guidelines on eligibility and application procedures. It said that organisations are therefore encouraged to keep and prepare the necessary documentation, including electricity and water bills.

Minister Julia Farrugia said that, “this measure is a clear testament to our vision of a country that leaves no one behind. The voluntary organisations that work in the field of disability and animal welfare are the ones that, every day, with dedication and with a big heart, fill the gap where it is needed most.”

MCVS Chief Executive Mauro Pace Parascandalo said that “this incentive is designed to directly reduce operational costs for voluntary organisations, thereby increasing their capacity to invest their resources in their services, programmes and activities.”

Organisations applying for the funds must be registered and compliant with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.

Photo: DOI

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