Government failing working families as food and energy bills rise again
Government failing working families as food and energy bills rise again - The Labour Party
Labour Finance spokesperson Deputy Ged Nash has called on the Government to take urgent action to tackle rising food and energy prices after raising the issue directly with the Tánaiste during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil today. Deputy Nash said working families are already struggling to put food on the table and warned that fresh price increases forecast for later this year will push even more households into hardship unless the Government intervenes.
Deputy Nash said:
“This week Barnardos published deeply worrying research showing that one in five families are cutting back on food because of the cost of living. Nearly half of parents surveyed said they had skipped meals or reduced their own portions so their children would have enough to eat. Three in ten said there were times when they simply did not have enough food to feed their children. Behind every statistic is a parent going without the basics so their child does not have to.
“When I asked the Tánaiste what Government intends to do this year to reduce food and energy prices, we heard the same recycled talking points that families have been hearing for years. There was no new action and no recognition of the reality facing people trying to balance the household budget every week.
“Last year’s Budget made the Government’s priorities crystal clear. Ministers chose not to index income tax bands, they removed energy credits, cut back on one-off cost of living supports and failed to increase Child Benefit. Working people were left paying the price while profitable sectors received generous tax breaks. Families who are worrying about paying for groceries deserve far better than Government spin and photo opportunities.
“Next week the reduced VAT rate for hospitality comes into effect. If businesses are receiving that support, consumers should see the benefit too. Tourists, workers buying lunch, families enjoying a meal out and everyone grabbing a takeaway coffee should see lower prices at the till, not higher profits for super-profitable chains. Let’s not pretend that a blunt, expensive tax cut is the way to help the small operators when they are better, targeted alternatives. Government must now call on the hospitality sector to pass on the VAT reduction in full to customers.
“Temperatures may be rising this summer but so too are household bills. Families cannot budget their way out of endless price increases. Government must stop pretending the cost of living crisis has ended and start delivering practical measures that reduce food and energy costs, support working people and protect children from going hungry.”