The Italian government's new aid package for the cost-of-living crisis was approved by the Senate on Tuesday, after a row over the so-called ‘Superbonus’ measure, which refunds the costs of building renovations which boost energy efficiency, was overcome.
The new package, worth 17 billion euro, comes on top of the 35 billion euro already allocated this year to help households and businesses cope with soaring energy and fuel costs.
The decree was approved with 182 votes in favour, none against, and 21 abstentions.
The package, which needs to be approved by October 8, will go to the Lower House on Thursday for final approval.
The dispute regarded changes to the ‘Superbonus’ to make it less susceptible to fraud.
The 5-Star Movement (M5S), which triggered the crisis of government that led to the collapse of outgoing Premier Mario Draghi's ruling coalition, objected, saying this would cause problems for thousands of companies owed credits for renovations.
In the end, a compromise was found.
The Senate has also amended the package in several ways.
One of these amendments makes it possible for people who are considered clinically vulnerable or are the parents of children under 14 to work from home until the end of the year.
This was something that outgoing Labour Minister Andrea Orlando of the Democratic Party (PD) has been strongly advocating for.
Another will allocate 50 million euro this year to amateur clubs that manage sports facilities.
Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina recently said that around 15,000 football grounds in Italy risk closure due to soaring energy prices.
“The world of voluntary sports associations is in danger of stopping with these increases,” Gravina said.
“In my case, 15,000 soccer grounds risk shutting down.”
