The Malta Sociological Association said that while noting the measures announced in the Malta Budget 2027, from a sociological perspective, it considers it important to undertake Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) of the announced measures.
A Social Impact Assessment is a systematic process of identifying, analysing and monitoring the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of policies and other planned interventions.
The MSA explained that it examines how such measures may affect social inequality, social mobility, employment conditions, housing access, family life, social inclusion, community cohesion and quality of life. ”In this regard, particular attention should be given to the distribution of social impacts across different socio-economic groups and generations, as well as their potential implications.”
The MSA emphasised the importance of examining not only the anticipated outcomes of budgetary measures, but also their potential unintended consequences, which may emerge over time. Such an approach contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the broader social implications of public policy.
In this regard, the MSA also encouraged the systematic integration of Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) into the policy cycle, encompassing the design, implementation and evaluation of significant budgetary measures.
It said that these assessments can provide an evidence-based understanding of the potential social effects of policy interventions, support informed public discourse and assist policymakers in considering the diverse impacts of their decisions across different strata of society.
Photo: MSA