AKEL will continue to fight for the relief of vulnerable groups, workers and households

 

Statement by the Head of the Social Policy Sector of the C.C. of AKEL Evanthia Savva

23 November 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

Yesterday’s decision by the European VAT Commission which accepts the reduction of VAT on electricity is a step in the efforts to tackle the problem of price hikes.

AKEL’s proposal to reduce VAT on electricity from 19% to 9% created a dynamic which forced the Government to adopt the substance of our Party’s proposal and put it before the competent European committee.

We reiterate the need for the measures to support households, the economy and the vulnerable groups of the population to be extended to other sectors such as fuel and essential goods by using the mechanism of imposing a cap on basic commodities to tackle price hikes.

We also stress the need to restore the purchasing power of working people’s wages, with the full reinstatement of the Automatic Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) in the public and private sectors, as well as an increase in welfare benefits to offset the increased cost of living.

As AKEL we will continue to struggle both inside and outside parliament with the submission of specific proposals for the relief of vulnerable groups, working people and households.