Moate-based rural group call for increase in social welfare payments at Pre-Budget Forum

Irish Rural Link, (IRL) the Moate-based national network representing the interest of rural communities, will attend the Department of Social Protection Pre-Budget Forum today (Wednesday) in Farmleigh House, Dublin.

IRL are calling for an increase of a minimum €25 per week in core social welfare payments in Budget 2024 to restore the real purchasing power of payments. It is also calling for a 50% increase in the fuel allowance to help with cost of fuel for low-income households. These households, especially in rural areas, have been impacted the most by the cost of living crisis.

Lifting people out of poverty must now be a priority of this and subsequent Governments. Poverty excludes people from fully participating in society. Over 5% of the population are now in consistent poverty, which is an increase from twelve months ago. The Government have committed to reducing consistent poverty to 2% by 2025. Social welfare payments and supports for those in low income jobs must be increased to ensure people have an adequate income to afford a minimum standard of living and for the 2% target to be achieved.

Excise Duty was reinstated on petrol and diesel prices at the end of May, increasing the price of these fuels to motorists. IRL are calling for no further increase in excise duty in Budget 2024. We know that households on low income in rural areas have higher living cost than their peer urban households, mainly due to higher transport costs. Households in rural areas need a car, and in most cases two cars.

The reduction in the grant amount for electric vehicles may mean less incentive for people to change to EV in rural areas. For low income households’ dependent on a car, moving to an electric car will be further out of reach and will continue to be penalised for driving a diesel or petrol car.

While an adequate income is needed to lift people out of poverty so too is access to essential services. Investment in public transport and local link services is needed if all people in society are to have a sustainable future. At present, there is little or no choice for people in rural areas when it comes to public transport and this excludes marginalised and vulnerable groups further from fully participating in society.

One-off payments announced in Budget 2023, while welcome, only supported low-income households to cover some of their bills. Budget 2024, must start to put proper financial supports in place for social welfare recipients and others on low-income so they can be lifted out of poverty and not push more people into it. Investment in transport and other public services are also needed to ensure people can fully participate in society.