Many single-mother units run risk of poverty

Single-parent households make up 2.6 per cent of all households in Malta, with single mothers alone amounting to two per cent, according to the latest Household Budgetary Survey.

Stated in numerical terms, of the total 127,970 households on the islands, 3,310 are formed by single parents, with 2,500 of these being single mothers.

The survey found that nearly half those living in single-mother households are below 20 years old. In other households, only 28 per cent were below 20.

More than two-thirds of single mothers were found to be less than 50 years old. A third are aged between 20 and 39.

Nearly four in 10 single-mother households are located in the northern harbour district, although the largest proportion from the total number of households within one particular district is in the southern harbour district.

More than half the persons living in single-mother households have completed their education.

The survey also found that a quarter of single mothers are employed, compared with just over 60 per cent for other heads of household.

The unemployment rate for persons living in single-mother households was estimated at 28 per cent, compared with just seven per cent for other households. Half had no one who was gainfully occupied, compared with just under a third for other households.

The average total household income of single-mother households was estimated at Lm5,669, compared with Lm8,252 for other households. Only 40 per cent of the total income was derived from salaries, compared to 60 per cent for other households. In fact, over 40 per cent of the income of single-mother households was derived from social benefits.

It was estimated that 44 per cent of persons living within single-mother households were below the at-risk-of-poverty line, compared to 14 per cent of persons living in other households.

Just over 40 per cent of single mothers own their residence, compared to nearly 60 per cent for other households. A similar number rent their residence, or do not own it but live in it for free.

Four in 10 do not own a vehicle, a figure similar to other households. Similarly, no significant difference was found in the ownership of most domestic appliances.

The average annual household expenditure has been estimated at Lm6,583 for single-mother households, compared with Lm7,699 for other households.

Summary

¤ There are an estimated 3,310 single-parent households, out of which 2,500 are single-mother households.

¤ 47.4 per cent of persons living in single-mother households are less than 20 years old, compared with 27.8 per cent for other households.

¤ Only 9.5 per cent of persons living in single-mother households have completed a post-secondary or higher level of education, compared with 14.9 per cent for other households.

¤ Only 25.2 per cent of single mothers are gainfully occupied.

¤ The unemployment rate stands at 17.1 per cent for single-mother head of households.

¤ The average annual net income for single-mother households stands at Lm5,669 compared with Lm8,252 for other households.

¤ The average annual household expenditure for single-mother households stands at Lm6,583, compared with Lm7,699 for other households.