Budget 2027: Working families need targeted energy credits
Budget 2027: Working families need targeted energy credits - The Labour Party
On the eve of Budget 2027 Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik has called on the government to ensure tomorrow’s package includes targeted energy credits for households earning under €80,000 so as not to repeat the mistakes of last year when the needs of PAYE workers were ignored.
Deputy Bacik said:
“Across the country PAYE workers and hard-pressed families are asking loudly what will there be in the budget tomorrow to help with their soaring energy bills.
“Low and middle families desperately need targeted energy credits this winter and Labour has proposed a €400 payment to support households with an income of up to €80,000. Between electricity and gas there are over half a million households in arrears on their bills.
“Government should not repeat the mistakes of last year when they left PAYE workers behind. This year we know there will be an extension of excise cuts on petrol and diesel, savings on home heating oil, and increases for fuel allowance recipients. Targeted support schemes will also continue for some sectors.
“However, for hundred of thousands of working families there will be little or no benefit beyond small changes on income tax credits and bands. To make matters worse, those relying on public transport will see their costs go up even more.
“Labour warned the government last year of the consequences from delivering massive untargeted VAT cuts to sectors that didn’t need them at the expense of workers and families. This year Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael should heed the lessons of 2026, and deliver targeted energy credits tomorrow.”