Poverty has decreased but those still in poverty are suffering more than ever – APF

Poverty in terms of statistics has decreased, but those who are in poverty are suffering more than ever, according to Andre Bonello, secretary of the Anti-Poverty Forum (APF).

APF Malta is a network of 14 organisations working together as a network on poverty. The Forum organises a number of conferences, seminars and focus groups, promotes research, disseminates information and creates awareness on poverty and social exclusion in Malta.

In an interview with The Malta Independent, Bonello referred to the current economic boom, adding that those who have been left behind need help to adjust to the social changes the boom brings with it.

He also believes that the rising rental and housing market has had direct impact on low-income earners, with questions of a median income wage coming into play.

Homelessness is becoming a modern reality, not just for Maltese citizens but also foreign workers he says, while more people are ending up livening in garages as a result of unaffordable rent prices.

Indirect social consequences of poverty, such as gambling and mental health, are recurring consequences of poverty, he explained, adding that a consumerist lifestyle in society is leaving economically challenged people isolated from society.

Bonello advocated for further studies and the setting up of a poverty watch in order to understand how poverty is developing in Malta and how to tackle it.

He insisted that government needs to keep listening and believing in NGOs since it is NGOs that are on the ground experiencing and listening to those who are most vulnerable.