MPs back continued support for first-home utility bills

TDT | Manama

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Support for electricity and water for citizens in their first homes will continue, alongside stronger help for low-income households and steps aimed at protecting the middle class, MPs said after directives issued by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

MP Hassan Ibrahim said the instructions drew a clear line on living costs.

“Citizens come first, and their livelihoods are a red line that cannot be bargained away,” he said.

He said the directions covered keeping electricity and water support in place for a first home, backing programmes aimed at people on lower incomes, and protecting the middle class. He added that economic progress should be judged by what people feel in daily life, rather than headline figures alone.

MP Dr Munir Seroor said HRH Prince Salman’s remarks on the middle class, and on keeping electricity support in place, gave many people reassurance, particularly those in the middle-income bracket.

“Having a large, active middle class improves the chances of economic growth, helps develop cadres and leaders, raises output, and contributes to producing talent,” he said.

Seroor said a strong middle class also points to social fairness, with incomes and hopes closer together across society.

He said he expected Bahrain to see further gains from its economic recovery efforts, with wider chances for growth across the community.

MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi also welcomed the directives, saying they would ease pressures on households, especially those on limited incomes, and support family stability.