There was, unfortunately, very little good news in last week’s Budget.
Families with more than two children will lose some of their child benefit, perhaps some back-to-school payment and those with older, third level goers, will pay another €250 towards their annual fee contribution and 3% of the annual grant. The reductions for single parent families will be particularly difficult.
All homeowners, except those in receipt of mortgage interest supplement or living on ghost estates will have to find €100 for the new household charge (aka property tax) and more carbon tax on home-fuel.
Pensioners did not see a reduction in their old age pension rate, but parts of the household benefits package was already cut back last September and now those who had qualified for the 32 week fuel allowance will see that payment reduced to 26 weeks.
