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Hidden hits of Budget 2012: benefits down, health care up
A SWATHE of hidden cuts and stealth charges were cloaked in yesterday's Budget. After a month of scaremongering by ministers, a number of cutbacks were dropped in an effort to make the package appear to be not as bad as was feared.
Jobs promised in public sector as €400m payroll savings targeted
THE Government has promised new jobs in the public sector for the first time in two years.
Higher student fees and fewer teachers on way with €76m cuts
SECOND and third level students will bear the brunt of a €76m cut in education spending next year.
Over 1.6 million homeowners will pay €100 property charge
MORE than 1.6 million homeowners will be forced to pay a €100 household charge from next January -- and it is inevitably going to rise in future Budgets.
Single parents to lose out most
BASIC social welfare rates remain unchanged, but major changes to eligibility for certain schemes will have a huge impact on incomes -- cutting €500m in total.
400,000 households must cope with €120 a year less
NEARLY 400,000 households will see a reduction of €120 a year in fuel allowance payments from the Government.
Agriculture sector suffers cuts, but it could have been worse
CUTS to the farming budget will cost farmers a predicted €400 on average.
Struggling families face raft of hidden charges
STRUGGLING families are facing a dramatic hike in health insurance bills as the fine print of yesterday's Budget revealed a wide range of hidden cuts and stealth charges.
Government nearly halved its targets for cuts in social welfare spending
THE Government nearly halved its targets to slash social welfare spending, avoiding enormous cutbacks which would have included a general reduction in child benefit.
Over thirty garda stations to close in latest budget moves
THIRTY-ONE Garda stations are to close, while a further 10 will operate on reduced opening hours, under cost-saving plans announced by Justice Minister Alan Shatter.
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