Cost-of-Living allowance rules under review to reassess ‘Actual Income’

TDT |Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

BD1,000 income cap and ‘single CR’ rule for Bahrain’s cost-of-living allowance are under review, with ministers re-measuring ‘actual income’, especially for the self-employed.

In a written reply to Parliament, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Ghanim Al Buainain said the review looks at how eligibility is set so support reaches those who qualify while keeping social aims and the public purse in balance. The work centres on how ‘actual income’ is defined for people whose earnings vary and may not be captured by the current tests.

Current rules were agreed by the executive and legislature in 2013 and have been used since. Support goes to every Bahraini head of house hold on BD1, 000 or less. The allowance is split into three inc o m e bands. Beneficiaries may hold one commercial registration.

On 20 December 2021 the Cabinet raised the allowance for low-income groups by 10 per cent. The present review, run with the relevant bodies, seeks clearer and fairer ways to gauge income across different groups, including free-profession workers.

While the reply stops short of backing the motion outright, the government says it agrees with its aims and is finishing a technical study that takes in all related factors, including sharper tests for ‘actual income’. Any changes are meant to improve how the scheme works and better match support to people’s circumstances.

The reply closes by saying the government will keep working with MPs to meet citizens’ expectations and uphold social justice within a wider plan for steady economic and social progress.