Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said October's budget would be the most comprehensive way the Government will deal with cost of living increases. It comes after an ESRI study showed an estimated 29% of households are currently experiencing energy poverty
It comes after the ESRI reported that the number of households in energy poverty in the State is estimated to be 29%.Speaking in Cork, Mr Martin said today's ESRI report shows clearly that those on lower incomes are suffering to a far greater extent than those on higher incomes and"we have to take that on board in terms of policy that we develop in the budget".
Energy inflation from January last year to April this year increased the cost of household consumption by €21 per week and if motor fuel costs are included the weekly increase rises to nearly €39. By winter, the average household could be looking at a rise in energy costs of €37 per week, he said. "Cutting excise duty on fuel, cutting VAT on electricity, electricity and gas, those kind of things aren't particularly well targeted.
Dr Roantree said that the Government could also look at making changes to PRSI or increasing the PAYE income credit to help people in the middle-income bracket.Reacting to the report, Head of Social Justice and Policy at St Vincent de Paul Tricia Keilthy said the findings are stark but they are not surprised as they have been receiving thousands of calls from people struggling to pay their bills.
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