New living expenses support to be considered at the Council of Ministers
Ministers will meet on Monday night to discuss a new package aimed at helping households with rising living costs.
Three coalition leaders will meet with Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe at 5 pm to finalize measures to address rising fuel, food and energy costs. ..
Several options are being considered after the government has stated that the planned carbon tax hike in May will be offset.
One option is to eliminate the public service obligation tax on energy charges. This is billed to all electricity customers, along with the supplier who collects the levy through the invoice.
The taxable amount is 4.30 euros excluding monthly VAT, which is equivalent to 58.57 euros per year including VAT.
The government estimates that at the end of April, the carbon tax hike on household heating will be € 1.40 per month for gas and € 1.50 per month for household kerosene.
Other options under consideration include mandatory time-of-day pricing for electricity to encourage people to change their energy use to cheaper times.
The government is particularly focused on household kerosene, whose prices have skyrocketed in recent months.
A package of measures could be brought to the Cabinet this Wednesday, if agreed.
There was also speculation about the increased eligibility of fuel allowances.
Taoiseach Michelál Martin previously stated that the measure “goals” to support low-income families.
Work is also underway on an information campaign to advise the public on how changes in household behavior can reduce invoice costs.
“Today, three government party leaders are meeting to discuss the cost of living crisis.
“I’m urging them to take this opportunity to plan an urgent emergency budget to support workers and their families. Now they need action and no further talk. . “
He urged the government to remove excise taxes from household kerosene and negotiate with the European Commission to reduce VAT on domestic energy tariffs.
He also said that payments for living expenses should be introduced, fuel allowances should be extended for six weeks, and social welfare rates should be raised for the most vulnerable people in response to inflation.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/new-cost-of-living-supports-to-be-considered-at-meeting-of-ministers-1.4849907?localLinksEnabled=false New living expenses support to be considered at the Council of Ministers
