The Civil Society Network in a statement today appealed to the Government "to ensure that Budget 2017 includes measures to improve the quality of life and standard of living of low income earners and pensioners."
The Network added that, "we note that Malta's economy is doing relatively well, but that there are growing social inequalities."
"Policies should be based on evidence and research and the Government should ensure that consensus among social partners is not used as an excuse for procrastination, said the Society.
The Civil Society Network set out 10 particular points in its Budget 2017 proposals:
1. An increase in the minimum wage
2. An increase in the minimum pension
3. An updated and realistic indexation of COLA
4. An updated and realistic indexation of the Pension
5. Upward revisions in tax brackets for low income earners
6. Measures to ensure that housing is affordable.
7. Measures to define and tackle precarious employment
8. Measures to combat exploitation of foreign workers in the underground economy.
9. Measures to encourage use and access of renewable energy
10. Measures to ensure sustainable and universally accessible pensions.