A contribution to income distribution analysis in Malta

Abstract

Income and wealth distribution statistics constitute an important element in the formulation and assessment of pragmatic and effective economic and social policies. Yet, notwithstanding the unquestionable usefulnessof such data - also spelled out in a report by economic advisers to the Maltese Government - and notwithstanding claims regarding the elimination of poverty from the Maltese Islands, data on the size distribution of income and wealth are not readily available. Information on the income and assets of Maltese taxpayes and welfare recipients may be being compiled by the Departments of Inland Revenue and Social Welfare; but, if such data exist, they are not published. For this reason, fragmentary statistics on the wage or income distributions of certain subgroups in the Maltese population assume a relevant significance for socio-economic analysis despite any inherent shortcomings.