A Sligo Leitrim TD is warning that small businesses in the North West will fold unless there is substantial Government support included in today’s Budget.
It follows concern from many businesses locally over the spiralling energy costs they are currently experiencing with some of their bills increasing by up to 400%.
Independent TD Marian Harkin says she has been speaking to local shopkeepers and while they intend to implement energy saving measures, there are fears that it won’t be enough to keep them afloat.
Deputy Harkin says the Budget must contain tangible supports for them:
It’s expected that pensioners will get cash lump sums of up to 1,100 euro under a 2 billion euro budget bonanza from the Department of Social Protection.
Those on core social welfare rates will see their weekly payments go up by 12 euro and two double payments before the new year under Budget 2023 plans.
A 2.1 billion euro social welfare package will see a 12 euro a week rise in core payments, bringing the dole to 220 a week and pensions to 265.
The usual Christmas double payment bonus will accompany a special Halloween bonus this year given at the end of October at a total cost of 600m.
There will be a major expansion of the fuel allowance criteria, bringing an estimated 60 to 80 thousand extra homes into the mix for the payment.
Those on the fuel allowance will also get a once off cash lump sum of 400 euro this winter, while those on the living alone allowance will get 200 euro.
It means someone on the State Pension, Living Alone Allowance & Fuel Allowance would get cash payments of 1,100 euro by Christmas.
Carers, people with a disability, and those on the working family payment will all get a lump sum of 500 euro.
While there will be a double payment of child benefit rates in December.
There will also be a 20 euro rise in the Domiciliary Care Allowance to 320 euro.
