Government Notices published in Government Gazette No. 21,049 of 5th May 2023

IT is notified for general information that the following Act is published in the Supplement to this Gazette:

Act No. XIV of 2023 entitled the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 2023.

IT is hereby notified for general information that, in exercise of the powers conferred by article 7(3) of the Residual Balances Fund Act Cap. 618, the Minister for Finance and Employment has re-appointed Dr Michele Magro, LLD, (Melit.) and Mr Frans Camilleri, MA (UEA), Dip. Soc. Studies (Oxon) as members on the Residual Balances Fund Committee for a period of one year up to 29th March, 2024.

IT is notified that in exercise of such powers as provided by Article (3) of the Commissioners for Oaths Ordinance (Cap. 79) the Minister for Justice appointed as Commissioners for Oaths, in the performance of their duties and for as long as they remain in such office, the undermentioned:

Persons who perform functions relating to the foreign service of the Government outside Malta

Cachia, Ms Christine – Senior Counsellor, London

By Authority

Jonathan Attard

Minister for Justice

In Work Benefit for Persons Carrying Out a Gainful Occupation Having Children Under the Age of 23 years

The Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights is extending the following scheme, which is aimed at encouraging persons with children under the age of 23 to participate in a gainful occupation and therefore reduce their dependancy on social benefits.

1. Definitions

In this scheme, unless the context requires otherwise:

“Minister" means the Minister responsible for Social Policy;

“Director" means the Director General responsible for the Department of Social Security;

“Head of Household" shall have the meaning assigned to it under the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318);

“Household" shall have the meaning assigned to it under the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318);

“Insurable Employment" shall have the meaning assigned to it under the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318).

2. Who is eligible for this Scheme

a. Families residing in Malta where both parents are carrying out a gainful occupation with earnings from such gainful occupation falling between €10,000 and €50,000 and where;

(i) the earnings of anyone of the parents does not fall below €3,000; and

(ii) the children in the same household have still not attained the age of 23 years.

b. Single parent families residing in Malta carrying out a gainful occupation with earnings falling between €6,600 and €35,000 and where the children in the same household have still not attained the age of 23 years.

c. Families residing in Malta where one of the parents is in a gainful occupation with earnings from such gainful occupation falling between €6,600 and €35,000 and where the children in the same household have still not attained the age of 23 years.

3. How to acquire the right for this scheme

Through an application which is available from the website of the Department of Social Security (https://socialsecurity.gov.mt).

The Director reserves the right to request any documents or evidence as necessary to process the claims.

This benefit can be paid backdated by two calendar years from date of application, given that applicant's request is in conformity with the provisons of Article 97 (2)(c)(ii)(a) of the Social Security Act, (Cap 318).

4. What does this scheme consist of

This scheme consists of:

The following applicable rates on a yearly basis as per indicated table:

In the case of working single parent an additional €80 per year is paid to the first eligible child in the €6,600 to €9,911 income brackets.

5. How shall this benefit be granted

By means of a bank deposit in a bank account indicated by applicant.

6. Provision of false information and non-compliance with the provisions of the Social Security Act, (. 318)

If a person:

a. provides false information or fails to report to the Director any change in circumstances; or

b. fails to comply with the provisions of the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318) with the aim of obtaining or continuing to obtain this benefit by the beneficiary, the provisions of Part X of the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318) shall be applicable.

7. Duration of the Scheme

The extended scheme shall enter into force on the 7th January, 2023 and shall remain in force until such date as the Minister may prescribe in the Government Gazette.

8. Amendments to the Scheme

The Minister may effect any necessary amendments to this scheme by publishing the said amendments in the Government Gazette.

Tapering of Social Assistance

The Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights is hereby extending the scheme introduced with effect from 1 January 2014, which aim is to introduce persons who have been registering for more than one year under Part One of the Register maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Employment and Training Services Act and/or who are in receipt of Social Assistance as per Article 30 of the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318) to partake in insurable employment.

scheme is also applicable to the head of household, being a single parent and taking care of children under the age of 23 and being in receipt of Social Assistance as per Article 30 of the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318).

1. Definitions

In this scheme, unless the context requires otherwise:

“Minister" means the Minister responsible for Social Policy;

“Director" means the Director General responsible for the Department of Social Security;

“Head of Household" shall have the meaning assigned to it under the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318);

“Household" shall have the meaning assigned to it under the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318);

“Insurable Employment" shall have the meaning assigned to it under the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318).

2. Who is eligible for this Scheme

a. The head of household who has been in receipt of any one of the following non-contributory social benefits for a minimum period of one year in the three years preceeding the claim; and the head of household being a single parent and taking care of children under the age of 23 and in receipt one of the following non-contributory benefits:

i) Social Assistance; or

ii) Unemployment Assistance.

b. Employers who decide to employ persons who are in receipt of one of the social benefits mentioned above.

3. How to acquire the right for this scheme

a. A beneficiary who is registering under Part One of the Register maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Employment and Training Services Act, and has been in receipt of the Unemployment Assistance for a minimum period of one year in the three years preceeding the claim.

b. A beneficiary in receipt of Social Assistance for a minimum period of one year in the three years preceeding the claim and who decides to partake in insurable employment.

c. A beneficiary, being the head of household who is a single parent and taking care of children under the age of 23.

d. A beneficiary who has been in receipt of Social Assistance for a minimum period of one year in the three years preceeding the claim and who enters into a marriage or civil union or enters into cohabitation, through a contract between both parties, or by a unilateral declaration, which is confirmed and certified its legal validity under the terms and provisions of the Cohabitation Act, (Cap. 614)with a person participating in a gainful occupation.

e. The Director may, from time to time, request any other document that may be required so that the claim may be processed, revised or renewed.

4. What does this scheme consist of

This scheme consists of the following:

a. A beneficiary of Social Assistance, or the spouse of such beneficiary, and who has been in receipt of this benefit for a minimum period of one year in the three years preceeding the claim, shall not forfeit the entitlement for Social Assistance and that the person shall still be entitled to 75% of the rate for the first year, to 55% of the rate for the second year and 35% of the rate for the third and last year. The eligibility depends on the person's income being not less than the National Minimum Wage.

b. A beneficiary of Social Assistance, who is the head of household, being a single parent and taking care of children under the age of 23 and partakes insurable employment of not less than ten (10) hours per week at the hourly rate equivalent to the National Minimum Wage (€4.82), shall not forfeit the entitlement for Social Assistance, and that person shall still be entitled to 75% of the rate for the first year, to 55% of the rate for the second year and 35% of the rate for the third and last year.

c. A beneficiary of Social Assistance, who has been in receipt of this benefit for a minimum period of one year in the last three years preceeding the claim, and enters a marriage or civil union or enters into cohabitation, through a contract between both parties or by a unilateral declaration, which is confirmed and certified its legal validity under the terms and provisions of the Cohabitation Act, (Cap. 614), with an employed person whose income is equivalent to the weekly National Minimum Wage, shall not forfeit the entitlement for Social Assistance, and that person shall still be entitled to 75% of the rate for the first year, to 55% of the rate for the second year and 35% of the rate for the third and last year.

d. The employer shall be entitled to 25% of the rate due for every year for a maximum period of three years and in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section.

e. The employer shall be entitled to 12.5% of the rate due for every year for a maximum period of three years if the beneficiary is employed on a part-time basis and in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.

f. The employer shall not be entitled to any payments in respect of provisions of paragraph (c).

5. How shall this Assistance be granted

a. The percentages of payment as explained in Section 4, are to be calculated only on the main benefit (Social Assistance and Unemployment Assistance). In the case of Children's Allowance and Supplementary Allowance, employment income shall be calculated in terms of the provisions of Part VII and Part VIII of the Second Schedule of the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318) respectively.

b. This scheme is applicable to both full-time and part-time employments. However, the income shall not be less than the National Minimum Wage which amounts to €192.73 per week for 2023. This amount varies annually depending on the cost of living adjustment as awarded by the Government.

c. This scheme is applicable also to the head of household, being a single parent taking care of children under the age of 23 and the income exceeds the amount of €48.20 per week.

d. Persons are eligible for this scheme on a one time basis up to a maximum of three years. Nevertheless, if a person does not continue to benefit from this scheme for the full period of three years, the person shall still be eligible to benefit in future from this scheme for that remaining period.

e. Employers can benefit from this scheme in respect of every person employed by him or her and who is eligible in accordance with the conditions established in this government notice.

f. The percentages paid to persons who are self-occupied shall be identical to percentages paid to persons in insurable employment, as explained in Section 4 (a), (b) and (c).

6. Provision of false information and non-compliance with the provisions of the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318)

If a person:

a. provides false information or fails to report to the Director any change in circumstances; or

b. fails to comply with the provisions of the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318) with the aim of obtaining or continuing to obtain this assistance from the beneficiary and the employer, the provisions of Part X of the Social Security Act, (Cap. 318) shall be applicable.

7. Duration of the Scheme

The scheme is being extended with effect from 1st January 2023 and shall remain in force until such date as the Minister may prescribe in the Government Gazette.

8. Amendments to the Scheme

The Minister may effect any necessary amendments to this scheme by publishing the said amendments in the Government Gazette.

Completion of Road Formation and Traffic and Parking Suspension

In virtue of Article eighteen (18) of Legal Notice 291 of 2018, the Agency for Infrastructure Malta hereby gives official notice of its intention to complete the formation of:

Triq Victor Vassallo, Triq Alfred Camilleri and Triq id-Dorga, Ħ'Attard (indicated on site plan on page 4980).

Triq Ruggero Loria, St Paul's Bay (indicated on site plan on page 4981).

Xatt il-Palm, part of Triq il-Lampara, Triq ir-Ridott, Naxxar (indicated on site plan on page 4982).

Armier car park, Mellieħa (indicated on site plan on page 4983).

Any person who is obliged by law to form said road (including by acquiring land necessary for the same formation) has fifteen (15) days from the date of the publication of this notice within which to comply with his obligations at law. In default, the Agency for Infrastructure Malta shall itself proceed with the formation of this road in accordance with its powers at law and at the expense of those persons whose obligation it is to form the road.

The Agency for Infrastructure Malta notifies that between 8th May, 2023 and 31st December, 2023, it will be starting road works in Triq Victor Vassallo, Triq Alfred Camilleri and Triq id-Dorga, Ħ'Attard. Vehicular access and on-street parking in this road may be restricted during certain works. 'No parking' signs authorised by Transport Malta will be affixed on site before such parking restrictions come in force.

The Agency for Infrastructure Malta notifies that between 8th May, 2023 and 31st December, 2023, it will be starting road works in Triq Ruggero Loria, St Paul's Bay.  Vehicular access and on-street parking in this road may be restricted during certain works. 'No parking' signs authorised by Transport Malta will be affixed on site before such parking restrictions come in force.

The Agency for Infrastructure Malta notifies that between 8th May, 2023 and 31st December, 2023, it will be starting road works in Triq Xatt il-Palm, Triq ir-Ridott and Triq il-Lampara, Naxxar. Vehicular access and on-street parking in this road may be restricted during certain works. 'No parking' signs authorised by Transport Malta will be affixed on site before such parking restrictions come in force.

The Agency for Infrastructure Malta notifies that between 8th May, 2023 and 31st December, 2023, it will be starting road works in Armier Car Park, Mellieħa. Vehicular access and on-street parking in this road may be restricted during certain works. 'No parking' signs authorised by Transport Malta will be affixed on site before such parking restrictions come in force.

Vehicles found in contravention to the order of this notice and to the related 'no parking' signs on site are liable to be towed.

Further information may be obtained by email to (info.im@infrastructuremalta.com).

Declaration by the LANDS AUTHORITY

I hereby declare that the undermentioned land, which is Government property, is required for a public purpose in accordance with the provisions of the Government Lands Act (Cap. 573) of the Laws of Malta.

Description of the Land

The following land at Ħaż-Żabbar:

A plot of land measuring about 381 square metres, bounded on the north by Government property, on the south and on the east by property of the Joint Office or more precise boundaries and is registered on Authority records as tenement number J43789.

The abovementioned land in Triq Wied il-Għajn, in Ħaż-Żabbar, is being terminated in connection with the widening of a road.

The above-mentioned land is shown marked with the colour blue on plan P.D. 2021_0598, which may be viewed on demand at the Lands Authority, Auberge de Baviere, Valletta.

(Sgd) Dr John Vassallo, LLD

Chairperson of the Board of Governorsof the Lands Authority

Declaration by the LANDS AUTHORITY

I hereby declare that the undermentioned land, which is Government property, is required for a public purpose in accordance with the provisions of the Government Lands Act (Cap. 573) of the Laws of Malta.

Description of the Land

The following land at Rabat, Malta:

A plot of land measuring about 18 square metres, bounded on the north, on the south and on the west by property of the Joint Office or more precise boundaries and is registered on Authority records as part of tenement number J42363.

The abovementioned land in Tal-Klawsura ta' Kinina, Rabat, Malta, is being terminated in connection with the rehabilitation of valley area (Chadwick Lakes).

The above-mentioned land is shown marked with the colour blue on plan P.D. 2021_0635, which may be viewed on demand at the Lands Authority, Auberge de Baviere, Valletta.

(Sgd) Dr John Vassallo, LLD

Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Lands Authority

PROCLAMATION by the LANDS AUTHORITY

Whereas by the provisions of section 71 in accordance with the Government Lands Act (Cap. 573) of the Laws of Malta, the Board of Governors of the Lands Authority can for public purposes, declare that the land is subject to clearance rights or subsoil rights.

And whereas it is required that the property mentioned in this schedule is declared subject to subsoil rights.

Now, therefore, I, by means of the powers of section 71 of the mentioned Act, hereby declare that the property mentioned in this schedule is subject to subsoil rights.

Schedule

Land in Għajnsielem, Gozo:

1. The mentioned subsoil rights consisting in the digging of a trench about 236 metres long, with a depth of 1.07 metres and a width of 1.05 metres and laying of services for an indefinite period, in a field of the area of about 1,259 metres square, which field is bounded on the West, on the North and on the East by property of HV Hospitality or more precise boundaries.

The above-mentioned land is shown on plan marked P.D. 2022_4055 which may be viewed on demand at the Lands Authority, Auberge de Baviere, Valletta.

(Sgd) Dr John Vassallo

Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Lands Authority

THE Commissioner of Inland Revenue notifies that, on the date shown hereunder, the price of gold and silver on which valuations made by the Consul for Goldsmiths and Silversmiths are based has been fixed for the purposes of article 14 of the said Act as follows: