This year’s Budget has delivered vital supports, which will make a real difference to working families and parents across Roscommon and Galway, Cllr John Naughten has stated. He also welcomed the funding put in place to support farmers.
“This Budget has families and children at its heart and includes measures that will put extra money in the pockets of local families,” stated John Naughten. “There is no doubt that families have felt the strain of the rising cost of living and the extension of the free school books scheme and free school dinners will help to ease the financial pressure being faced by families”.
As well as increasing the point at which people pay the higher rate of tax from €42,000 to €44,000, the USC has also been cut by 1pc on incomes between €25,000 to €70,000.
“This Budget has focused on the costs associated with raising a family and one particularly welcome measure is the payment of two double child benefit payments before Christmas. Families will also benefit from the cutting of college fees by €1,000 and increased maternity, paternity and parental benefit,” stated John Naughten.
“This will be supplemented by the reduced cost of school transport and giving two energy credits to help with the cost of heating this winter. In addition, there will be a baby boost of €460 for every child born after January 1st”.
Cllr Naughten also welcomed the supports put in place for the agricultural sector.
“The increased funding of €22m which has been put in place for the continuation of the sheep welfare scheme is a particularly welcome announcement, as is the €8m to enhance payment rates to farmers under the national beef welfare scheme”.
