Austerity still hurting many, says SVP
The St Vincent de Paul Society has said that today's Budget does not recoup what has been taken away in recent austerity budgets.
They welcomed the benefits announced in the budget today, in particular the increase in Child Benefit, and the focus on job creation
The Society said: "But it doesn't go anywhere near restoring what has been taken away. Many on low paid will be only marginally better off after today's budget."
They also welcomed the increased investment in Social Housing; the part restoration of the Christmas bonus and the extension of the €100 water charge allowance for those in receipt of fuel allowance.
They said: "But many of the benefits will be offset by charges already in place such as water and property taxes.
"There remains around half a million unemployed and lone parents who will continue to struggle and will continue to come to SVP for help."
SVP say they also sought the extension of the home improvement scheme to the private rental sector, but said they cannot give today's announcement "an unqualified welcome" as it lacks any reference to security of tenure for existing tenants.
They said: "There are also still many who live in isolation who also need support but there is no mention of the restoration of community projects that have been discontinued over recent years.
"While this budget has been described by Government as the first step in major a road to recovery, we believe that it is not a recovery that is fully committed to many who are socially deprived."
