New parents, workers and pensioners are to be the big winners in a ‘giveaway Budget’ which will be unveiled this afternoon.
The government is to introduce tax cuts, welfare hikes and a series of one-off payments as they seek to win over voters ahead of a General Election.
Along with a €12 increase in the state pension, the over-70s are to benefit from a new “bring a friend” expansion of the free travel scheme.
Thousands of parents are set for a significant gain thanks to new cost-of-living measures to be rolled out.
Parents of newborns will receive a special one-off baby boost of €420, while ministers have also agreed a €15 weekly increase in maternity, paternity and parents’ benefit.
The weekly rates paid through the two schemes along with the parents’ benefit will all increase to €289.
Other key measures due to be confirmed today include:
Two double payments of Child Benefit in November and December;
A double payment of all welfare rates in October and December;
A €400 lump sum for those in receipt of the working family payment.
Other weekly social welfare payments such as the state pension, Carer’s Allowance, disability payments and Jobseeker’s Allowance will rise by €12.
Read the full report in www.independent.ie
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