Momentum welcomes proposals from MCVS to strengthen Malta’s volunteering sector

Momentum met with the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector to discuss election proposals to strengthen and support Malta’s voluntary sector. Momentum appreciates the important work carried out by MCVS in Malta and at the European level, as well as the many voluntary organisations and NGOs that the Council supports.

Dr Matthew Agius said, “We endorse a number of proposals put forward by MCVS, including the introduction of a system similar to Italy’s ‘Eight per thousand’ (otto per mille), which would allow taxpayers in Malta to allocate 0.8% of their annual income tax, which they already pay, to a voluntary organisation of their choice. Currently, Malta only allows automatic income deductions for donations to the Malta Community Chest Fund. Extending this system to all enrolled voluntary organisations would give citizens the freedom to support the causes they believe in.”

Other proposals are the provision of financial assistance on utility bills, water and electricity, to organisations owning their own premises. This measure has been introduced to aid voluntary organisations active in disability and animal welfare; now is the time to broaden it to all areas of the voluntary sector.

Another proposal includes the establishment of a Public Service work release scheme for the voluntary sector, whereby a pool of public service employees is available to help voluntary organisations based on expertise needs. Such an idea is to be extended to the private sector through tax rebates for employers who release staff to VOs, treated on the same basis as charitable donations.

Agius said, “In addition, Momentum proposes that registered volunteers receive accredited points that can be used for tax credits, as well as formal recognition in CVs. Such tax credits for volunteers will especially help youths with finding employment and accumulating tax credits, which they will find beneficial in their first working years”.

The proposals in summary:

• Allow taxpayers to allocate 0.8% of their income tax to a voluntary organisation of their choice.
• Provide financial assistance on water and electricity bills to voluntary organisations with their own premises.
• Establish a Public Service work release scheme to support voluntary organisations based on expertise needs. Extend such an initiative to the private sector through tax rebates for employers.
• Introduce accredited points for registered volunteers, linked to tax credits and CV recognition.

There is hope, you can help!

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