During the second meeting of the Consultative Council on Economy (CCE), the Regional Secretary for the Economy said Madeira is preparing fresh incentive measures to help companies cope with the energy crisis. José Manuel Rodrigues said the Middle Eastern Crisis continues to affect both businesses and families across the Region. He added that Madeira has responded with actions on energy production, fuel price controls and support for companies designed to protect jobs and prevent higher consumer prices. The meeting also focused on air accessibility to Madeira, especially the Social Mobility Allowance and operational constraints at Madeira Airport, according to a statement issued by the governor’s office. Other priority issues identified by the Council were labour shortages, excessive bureaucracy in public administration, housing difficulties and an ageing population. Rodrigues also called for a regulated and humane system for hiring foreign workers and for simpler administrative procedures to speed up private investment. The Institute for Business Development (IDE) is expected to introduce, within the next one to two months, two existing incentive schemes adapted to offset rising energy and fuel costs, while the Regional Government also plans to expand housing supply and reinforce support for healthcare, social security and social support.
