Withdrawal of energy credits a 'body blow to hundreds of thousands facing higher and higher bills '- Cllr Padraig Fallon
Speaking to RTE's Morning Ireland this week, Tánaiste Simon Harris said that payments, such as the energy credit and double child benefit, would not form part of next month's budget stating it is "not a good way to run a country".
Leitrim councillor Padraig Fallon has said the removal of the energy credit is a "body blow to families who are paying higher and higher electricity bills."
Speaking to RTE's Morning Ireland this week, Tánaiste Simon Harris said that payments, such as the energy credit and double child benefit, would not form part of next month's budget stating it is "not a good way to run a country".
Cllr Fallon said, "incredibly, in the coming weeks, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael intend to make matters worse by increasing prices in petrol/diesel, home heating oil, student fees and more."
The news comes as Energia confirmed it will raise electricity prices by 10.9% and smart meter electricity prices by 12.1% from next month, adding up to €205 a year to the average household’s annual bill.
However, it's also been revealed this week that Electric Ireland has cut its gas prices and left its electricity prices unchanged in a surprise move after three other energy suppliers announced price rises this year.
The move comes as thousands of families will struggle to pay energy bills in the coming months with 300,000 households in arrears on electricity bills.
Cllr Fallon continued: "The cost-of-living crisis is very real for families as costs spiral across the board without any intervention from government. Simon Harris' announcement that the government intends to remove the energy credit is a body blow to hundreds of thousands of families who are paying higher and higher electricity bills. And, incredibly, in the coming weeks, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael intend to make matters worse by increasing prices in petrol/diesel, home heating oil, student fees and more.
“We need to end the rip-off, get costs under control and support those in fuel poverty, support workers and families in the upcoming budget.
“Fine Gael promised, within 100 days of government, to deliver a plan to reduce childcare fees to €200 a month but no plan has been published, One in five children are in poverty, a damming indictment on any government."