[Italy] Payroll tax breaks for women in 2024 budget

In Italy, the far-right government has approved a budget for 2024 intended to bolster public health services and put more money in the pockets of the country’s low- and medium-wage earners, Guernsey Press reports.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the €24 billion (£20.7 billion) budget - including €5 billion (£4.3 billion) in spending cuts - is in line with her government’s priorities.

Ms Meloni reportedly described it as both “serious” and “realistic” despite Italy facing an expected increase of €13 billion (£11.2 billion) in payments to service its public debt as interest rates increase.

The budget was approved by the Premier’s cabinet in a one-hour meeting before being sent for EU approval.

Italian finance minister Giancarlo Giorgetti has expressed confidence that the budget would be accepted by both the EU and markets.

The budget also reportedly includes payroll tax breaks for women with at least two children and will guarantee free nursery school from the second child onward as part of efforts to “undo the story that having children is a disincentive to work”.

A further €3 billion (£2.59 billion) has been earmarked for Italy’s public health services, with the intention of reducing waiting times for services in the wake of the pandemic.

Foreign minister Antonio Tajani - head of the Forza Italia party - described the waiting lists as “a national shame” and said, “You can’t die of cancer because they do a scan when you are no longer there.”

The budget also increases Italy’s minimum pension and cuts the annual fee assessed to households to support RAI state television from €90 to €70 (£78 to £60.50).

Source: Guernsey Press

(Quotes via original reporting)

In Italy, the far-right government has approved a budget for 2024 intended to bolster public health services and put more money in the pockets of the country’s low- and medium-wage earners, Guernsey Press reports.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the €24 billion (£20.7 billion) budget - including €5 billion (£4.3 billion) in spending cuts - is in line with her government’s priorities.

Ms Meloni reportedly described it as both “serious” and “realistic” despite Italy facing an expected increase of €13 billion (£11.2 billion) in payments to service its public debt as interest rates increase.

The budget was approved by the Premier’s cabinet in a one-hour meeting before being sent for EU approval.

Italian finance minister Giancarlo Giorgetti has expressed confidence that the budget would be accepted by both the EU and markets.

The budget also reportedly includes payroll tax breaks for women with at least two children and will guarantee free nursery school from the second child onward as part of efforts to “undo the story that having children is a disincentive to work”.

A further €3 billion (£2.59 billion) has been earmarked for Italy’s public health services, with the intention of reducing waiting times for services in the wake of the pandemic.

Foreign minister Antonio Tajani - head of the Forza Italia party - described the waiting lists as “a national shame” and said, “You can’t die of cancer because they do a scan when you are no longer there.”

The budget also increases Italy’s minimum pension and cuts the annual fee assessed to households to support RAI state television from €90 to €70 (£78 to £60.50).

Source: Guernsey Press

(Quotes via original reporting)