Families worse off than 2009 - charity

Thousands of families will have between €3,000 and €5,000 less next year than they had in 2009 once the effects of Ireland’s latest austerity budget kick in, St Vincent de Paul charity has warned.

In new research, the society has looked at a number of family types and how this month’s Government spending cuts and tax hikes might impact on them.

It found that a rural family with two adults and three children, one of whom has special needs, with mortgage repayments and two cars will be €3,898 worse off next year than three years ago.

Another example states that a lone parent with three children living in rented accommodation with debts and rent arrears and who is reliant on solid fuel will take a hit of €4,605.

In response to the budget the society has calculated how typical examples of vulnerable Irish households will be affected in real terms. The full findings are published on its website.

“Those individuals and families who have made the move from welfare into employment, education or training will see the supports they need to help them improve their lives reduced further,” the society said.

“In households like those SVP sees throughout Ireland – where a mother talks about moving tinned foods from the cupboard to the fridge to make it look full in front of the children; where a family has received a disconnection notice from their electricity supplier; where an older man is so isolated that he has no one there for him but the SVP visitors – the effects of Budget 2013 will be felt harshly.”

It also warned that many households have already cut back on food, heating and social interactions while further financial strain could push many towards money lenders.