Post-budget reaction 1. INTRODUCTION The Kunsill Studenti Universitarji affirms its position as an entity that represents and safeguards the rights and entitlements of the student body. The predominant aim of this document is to extract points from the budget that leave an impact on the quality of life of students and present ancillary concerns or recommendations to ameliorate selective proposals. Due to the Council’s heavy involvement with promoting student rights, it feels that the comments brought forward have the potential to positively contribute to a better experience within the University of Malta institution. 2.
WELFARE
Taxes
The 2018 Budget starts off on a positive note with the announcement by the Government that neither direct nor indirect taxes shall be introduced throughout the budgetary year. Undoubtedly this provides for a firm economic structure for students and families in their personal finances. Consequently, one can see a weekly increase of €1.75 representing the COLA (Cost of living adjustment). The proposed tax adjustment for child and separation maintenance shall leave a positive impact on the Maltese society as the Council believes that income spent for the welfare of children and youths should not be included when considering the amount of payable tax by the taxpayer. Minimum Wage
The Government announced that employees who fall within the minimum wage bracket shall be entitled to an increase of €3 per week throughout the second year of employment with the same employer. This will be further increased by an additional €3 per week for their third year of employment. KSU is pleased by this inclusion in the budget especially when seeing that a percentage that University and post-secondary students fall within the minimum wage bracket and shall therefore benefit from this addition, which shall undoubtedly leave a positive impact on their financial situation. Social Services and Benefits The Council agrees with the line of reasoning of reducing the dependence on social benefits whilst simultaneously incentivizing and encouraging the increase
in workforce. This generates a proactive mentality towards solving the worrying poverty trends and great reliance on social benefits in Malta. The Council believes that it can be a focal point to raise awareness on reducing this dependency through the educational system it forms part of, given that the necessary resources are provided. It is also worth noting that it is definitely a positive incentive to develop plans of opening of a centre by The Foundation for Social Welfare Services. The centre is targeted towards female youth with challenging behavior who are going to be provided with the necessary skills upon integration in the community. Moreover, while the proposed increase in drug addicts allowance is an encouraging step, the Council urges the Government for further action among drug dependent youths in terms of social integration, education and awareness. Supportline 179, the national telephone line regarded by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, is now getting updated by advances in a technological system in order to better address the needs of the citizens well-being. This can be remarked as significant improvement for a guaranteed better service that is offered for all citizens, including students who might find it beneficial and of use.
Affordable Housing and First-Time Buyers Scheme
It is a reality that there has been a drastic increase in rent prices and lack of available affordable housing in our society. Hence, the Council applauds the inclusion of the proposed white paper on affordable housing in the Budget. It is a worrying fact that recent graduates and Gozitan students are being faced with a constant challenge of ever-increasing rent prices. This situation compromises their education at the University of Malta. The First-Time Buyers scheme must also be applauded as it encourages recent graduates and young adolescents to invest in their own property for better peace of mind and financial security. However one must point out that similar schemes must be put in place that will aid students in renting out property while pursuing their academic endeavours. 3.
INDUSTRY
Proposed Strategy on Blockchain Technology
For the continued economic growth and for society to thrive, one must look beyond the normal known means of present work and industry. The Council therefore welcomes the approach taken towards the new proposed investment in Blockchain and cryptocurrency technology. This will undoubtedly provide a new sector for foreign and local investment, increasing the demand for further employment in the respective industry. We urge the respective Authorities to look into setting up specific courses that handle and deal with this type of technology in order to widen the opportunities present to the public for further educational experiences and diverse employability. Sustainability of Gaming Sector
The gaming industry has had a major role to play in the Maltese economy in recent years. An increased number of current and former University students have been recruited in gaming related jobs, which has left a positive impact. However, the ever-growing dependence on this Industry may have negative effects in the future and it is thus positive to see the inclusion of the sustainability of this industry. The University can undoubtedly provide a more focused and relevant number of courses that directly provide for gaming related employment in the industry. Reduction of bureaucracy
While the reduction of bureaucracy across the board should always be sought, The Council questions the type of measures that are going to be taken in this endeavor. As an example, the recently proposed University of Malta consultation document puts forward the introduction of two new governing entities. A specific KSU SubCommittee was launched to gather information and comments on the document from where the majority number of reactions have been in the negative with regards to the introduction of these entities. Such, would undoubtedly have a reverse effect by adding to bureaucracy rather than reducing it. Resources should be invested in the present entities rather than in creating new ones. While the Council understands the reasoning and the context of the proposed legislation, it believes that it would not be moving forward but would rather add to the problem it is trying to solve. KSU urges the Government to continue in its efforts to reduce bureaucracy but points out that certain measures taken may need to be re-evaluated to achieve the sought goals.
4.
EDUCATION
Investment in educators
The Council affirms the recognition and importance education was given, as continual investment is of essence. The provision of further opportunities and enhanced work conditions for teachers is a step in the right direction, particularly due to proposed communication with the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT). National Board of Obligatory Education The consultative nature of the National Board for Obligatory Education to expand the scope of learning to beyond the classroom and make it more applicable to the work sphere is commendable. However, it is worth noting that representatives from the University and MCAST were not mentioned as being part of the board, which are key stakeholders in creating new partnerships. Furthermore, it was questioned whether already existing partnerships would be revised by the board so as to reaffirm their pragmatic purpose within the educational infrastructure. Inclusive education Expanding the concept of quality education to catering for the needs of students with difficulties, such as autism, is a favourable approach towards inclusivity. LSA and teacher training and incorporating multi-sensory rooms are all positive reinforcements towards successfully integrating students with a variety of needs. Examinations and post-graduate studies
As with regards the waiver of examination the Council feels that it is essential that quality education is bereft of financial burden. However, certain clarifications are necessary as to whether this applies for solely first-sit examinations, or whether resit sessions are also included. Furthermore, incentivising students to further their studies to a post-graduate and PhD level is indeed a positive initiative. Nonetheless, the Council would like to receive further clarification in terms of the nature of the courses that would satisfy the requirements and whether there will be a structure in place to cater for the courses that are part of the professional curriculum. Vocational and applied studies
The inclusion of vocational and applied subjects’ renders education more practical and is indeed a more effective form of learning. It is worth noting that more information is required regarding the institutions that shall be implementing this structure, as well as which subjects shall be tackled.
Investment in centres
Whilst it is crucial to channel more investment into additional research centres and primary healthcare centres, the Council believes that the already existing research facilities present within the University of Malta institution should not be overlooked. Moreover, the notion of further investment in sports facilities is welcomed by the Council, which strives to encourage a healthy lifestyle and mindframe. Increased accessibility
More investment needs to be put into a plan to make University more accessible to those with mobile disability as there are still venues on campus that are not accessible to people with disabilities. 5.
ENVIRONMENT
Waste Separation
Prioritising green incentives is a necessity to ensure sustainability and proper use and allocation of resources. Investing in an infrastructural system to generate energy from waste is a step in the right direction. However, the fact that proper recycling structures and waste separation systems are not available on the university campus cannot go unnoticed. The council firmly believes that a greener mentality needs to be instilled by taking small but effective steps and shall be proactively tackling this issue in the pipeline. Tree Planting
While 4,000 trees a year are welcome, we’re convinced thousands more can be planted especially along our roads and village perimeters that are barren and dry. A national effort must be made to increase Malta’s tree surface area which is a poor 1% only. 6.
GOZO
The council appreciates the Government’s effort towards investment and job creation in Gozo. That being said, it is displeased by the lack of attention given towards Gozitan students furthering their studies in Malta. As already mentioned, the problem of spiking rent prices is still yet to be holistically tackled on a larger scale.
Furthermore, another problem faced is that of accessibility. A percentage of students would agree that it is a challenge to commute from University of Malta to Gozo using public transport. The council urges the Government to explore further routes such as the X1A which travels directly from Cirkewwa to the University of Malta. It continues to reiterate its point of synchronising buses with the Gozo Channel ferry so as to avoid time wasted at the ferry terminal. 7.
TRANSPORT
The council commends the Government’s efforts towards improving the infrastructure of Maltese roads. It agrees with the approach taken of setting up an Agency so as to better understand the problems faced and tackle them in the most appropriate manner. Public Transport
The government seeks to ease transition between different modes of public transport during one’s commute. Incentives mentioned vary from the improvement of ferry services between our various ports to better accessibility to bus stops and implementation of bus shelters. This is further reinforced by offering free tal-Linja Cards to youths aged 16 to 20. KSU is pleased with such measures as they tie in with the Council’s efforts towards alternative modes of transport and its green agenda. Furthermore, the Government announced that it will be carrying out studies towards collective transport to and from schools. The Council welcomes such efforts towards reducing the number of vehicles on our roads, as well as ensuring safety for secondary students. That being said, it would appreciate further aid with initiatives it aims to carry out such as the Park & Ride system. Car pooling
The budget document follows by stating that car pooling measures giving preference in bus lanes will be reinforced. The Council urges the government to actively pursue studies towards a carpooling system similar to that oat university. Discounts on Two-Wheel Vehicles
The Government announced that it will be extending its schemes of offering VAT refunds on bikes and ebikes, which will be extended to bike rental companies. Another scheme will be launched giving up to 400 Euro in rebates on electric motorcycles and scooters and electric bicycles . This is very welcoming, however we ask why this has not been extended to motorcycles in general as an effective initiative to reduce car use on our roads. Going electric is the future, but electric
motorcycles are still very expensive and not viable for widespread purchase by citizens. While the budget encourages bicycle use, the rampant widening of our roads for car use only while failing to include a holistic bicycle infrastructure with it contradicts the incentives in place. The issue of safety and enforcement leave a lot to be desired. While roads do need maintenance and upgrades, doing so for car use only is a short-term measure that will not reduce traffic in the long run, but only attract further car congestion in these roads or shifts the bottleneck elsewhere. The issue of parking remains a reality no matter how wide the roads are, so real alternatives to car mobility in general must be implemented if we are truly serious and honest in reducing the traffic problem. The decrease of VAT on bike rentals to 7% is welcomed and acts as an incentive for students to further exploit this mode of transport and ties in with KSU’s partnership with NextBike Malta at University. Furthermore, the council eagerly welcomes the Share the Road concept as a principal route joins University of Malta with Mosta, one of the most populated villages. KSU is ready to participate in any consultation on this project that will impact positively mobility to campus. The Council will also seek to make use of the grant allocated for the setting up of new bicycle racks on campus.
8.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
The Council is glad to see that grassroot issues are being prioritised and given the attention that they deserve. The recognition of the importance of the welfare of students and further improvement of educational standards emerges clearly. Being the leaders of tomorrow, the Council urges the Government to take the student perspective into consideration, as put forward in the above observations and continue holding effective discussions and consultation sessions.