A minimum budget for a decent living : a research study by Caritas Malta focusing on three low-income household categories

Abstract

Caritas Malta has carried out a research study over a period of one year to establish a minimum budget for a decent living based on a basket of essential items. The findings of this study show that a concerted effort is required to make a decisive impact on ensuring that all people in Malta have the resources necessary to lead a life in human dignity. The study focuses on low-income households and addresses three household categories, namely, (i) two adults and two dependent children; (ii) a lone-parent and two dependent children; and (iii) an elderly couple. The study assumes that the subject household types are entitled to benefits under Scheduel II (pink card), in receipt of free food under the EU or local charitable food aid schemes, residing in Government-owned premises at subsidised rent, and in receipt of energy vouchers. The report presents the minimum estimated cost of the selected items put together for the three household types. Assembled with a frugal approach, the basket includes eight basic categories (1) food, (2) clothing, (3) personal care, (4) health, (5) household goods, maintenance and services, (6) education and leisure, (7) transport and (8) housing. [Excerpt from Executive Summary]