20 April 2007 Rating 3% No Comment  

Around 30,000 families will benefit from a scheme launched on Thursday to offset the effect of increasing oil prices on water and electricity bills. The energy benefit will be provided in the form of a voucher, which is to be presented on payment of the bills. The voucher amount will be calculated on the basis of how much water and electricity is consumed by the family as well as how many members there are in the family. Eligible families will have the new benefits retroactively applied to their bills from the 1st of January. Families who receive social assistance or unemployment benefit and persons receiving pensions for the elderly and widowed will automatically receive the new benefit. All families who fall under the scheme should receive a letter by the end of this week informing them that they are to be included in the energy benefit. More information can be found on the ministry's website at www.mfss.gov.mt or via the SPIC helpline 159 between Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm. Further advice and a leaflet is also available at local social security offices.