(click here if you can't see the poll above)
The last few years have seen a succession of difficult budgets that have severely impacted the financial situation of many households and businesses in the country. Now, businesses, families and households are preparing themselves for next week’s Budget 2014, and hoping to avoid the brunt of potential service cuts, welfare changes and tax increases.
This week, the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has confirmed that the budget next week could have correction measures of around €2.5 billion. Although there are still likely to be many difficult saving measures involved, the amount is significantly less than the €3.1 billion being originally demanded by the Troika. The Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes says that while it will still be a tough budget, it is aimed at giving people a message that the worst is over
Sinn Féin, meanwhile, has revealed its ‘alternative budget’. It is proposing policies such as increasing the respite care grant, protect welfare and benefit payment rates, provide half of core school books free for every child and to extend free GP care to under 5s. They’re also calling for a cut in politicians’ pay and the end of the property tax.
Newstalk Lunchtime is running a Cost of Living series all this week, revealing how Irish families are spending their income, and wondering how the upcoming budget might affect their finances. You can listen back to Monday’s report on Jennifer Rhattigan’s family here.
Today, we’re wondering if you’d be in favour of an easier budget this year to provide some respite after several years of austerity. This could mean a tougher budget next year, although could also significantly assist individuals and companies still struggling to recover from recent cuts. Alternatively, would you prefer one more ‘difficult’ budget this year? This would cause some immediate financial challenges but potentially mark a clear end to austerity and lighten the financial load for Budget 2015 and beyond.
Vote in our poll and leave your comments below.
