The universal single allowance will not be abolished. Giorgia Meloni confirmed the continuation of the measure in support of families in a video alongside the Minister of Economy, Giancarlo Giorgetti. Introduced by the Draghi government in 2021, the measure, which is worth about 20 billion euros, benefits over six million families and 10 million children annually. Meloni stated that her government will not abolish the single allowance in the next budget law, and she emphasized the importance of working towards a better and fairer Italy after years of left-wing disasters. Despite rumors circulating yesterday about the abolition of the allowance in the upcoming budget, Meloni’s denial was clear, and she expressed readiness to fight in Europe as the measure has come under scrutiny by the commission.
While the majority does not deny the possibility of revisiting the policy, they stress that any adjustments would aim to make the measure more effective and impactful for lower-income groups, rather than completely stopping it. Members of the opposition criticized the government, with the Democratic Party accusing them of “sectarianism” for modifying successful measures not implemented by them simply to claim credit. The Five Star Movement also expressed skepticism towards the sudden support for the single allowance from the Brothers of Italy party, highlighting what they believe to be political hypocrisy. The focus is now on reviewing the effectiveness of various benefits and bonuses to ensure they are truly benefiting those in need.
One potential adjustment being considered is excluding the single allowance from the calculation of the Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator (Isee) to prevent it affecting other possible benefits. The President of the Finance Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, Marco Osnato, highlighted the need to rethink the reduced benefit for childbirth and large families, as well as the cumulability with Isee. The government is working on a comprehensive family package that could cost around one billion euros, with a particular focus on supporting working mothers. The tax relief currently only available until the end of this year for mothers with two children may be extended, with plans to include self-employed individuals as well.
Although the single allowance will not be abolished, the government is open to making adjustments to improve its effectiveness. The opposition has criticized the government for potentially altering successful policies for political gain, while the Five Star Movement has questioned the sudden support from other parties. The focus is now on evaluating the impact of various benefits and bonuses to ensure they are reaching those most in need. One proposed adjustment is excluding the single allowance from the Isee calculation to prevent it affecting other benefits. The government is also working on a family package that includes support for working mothers and may be extended to self-employed individuals.
