Muscat: No major surprises in next budget

No major surprises should be expected in the next budget, consultation on which would start soon, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this morning. He was speaking during after he inaugurated the extension of Ascent Software's premises in Luqa. Dr Muscat said the budget would start implementing the PL's electoral programme. The company, which was set up 10 years ago, currently employs 50 people. Its clients include Vodafone UK and the US Reserve Army. A total 95 per cent of orders are for foreign companies but the company's workforce is entirely Maltese. Dr Muscat stressed the need to have more home grown software companies and said even local companies deserved a red carpet treatment and reiterated his government's commitment to cut down bureaucracy.