BAHRAINI families have been extended a lifeline with the government approving a rise in social allowances and pensions.
It follows a high-profile meeting between a government delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, and legislators at the National Assembly Complex last night.
Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom told the GDN that the government had agreed to amend Article nine of the social security law to increase allowances by 10pc from January 1 next year.
Pensioners earning less than BD1,500 will also benefit from a 3pc annual increase backdated to January this year and a 3pc rise next year.
MPs will vote on the allowances at the weekly Parliament session today.
The GDN earlier reported that a parliamentary committee had sought new criteria for social welfare to consider doubling the Value Added Tax.
“The increase in aid and social allowances will be a boon for low-income families,”
Mr Al Salloom said. “We do not know when a legislation on social aid will be finalised, but the government has accepted our request. It has been agreed in writing.”
Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal praised the government for its quick response. “In less than 24 hours, the government has responded to Parliament’s demands and this shows the utmost co-operation between both the legislative and executive authorities,” she said.
Shura Council financial and economic affairs committee chairman Khalid Al Maskati also welcomed the move.
“We would back the legislation when it comes to us,” he said.
Meanwhile, a crunch vote on doubling Value Added Tax from five to 10 per cent is also set to be held today.
VAT is amongst the five-pillar strategy to achieve economic recovery post Covid-19. The government had planned to introduce it on January 1, 2022 pending Parliament and Shura Council approval.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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