Budget is mix of positive measures and missed opportunities
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Budget 2016 contains positive measures that will see workers make the first real financial gains from a budget in almost eight years, according to SIPTU researcher, Ger Gibbons.
Public service commitments, including the restoration of the Christmas bonus by 75% for hard-pressed social welfare recipients, the increase in the minimum wage, the restoration of the respite care grant and the extension of free childcare will help improve the living conditions of some of the most vulnerable in society, he said.
“Budget 2016 however represents a missed opportunity to recover from the social damage caused by the crisis.
“The resources available as the economy recovers should have been allocated over the medium term in a 2:1 ratio, with two-parts going towards rebuilding public services, and one-part towards tax reform.
“The Government’s decision to opt for a 50:50 split leaves insufficient resources to start repairing the damage of recent years.
“We welcome the reversal of some of the most egregious cuts implemented from 2008 to 2014 but are disappointed that others, such the cut to the standard Jobseekers’ Allowance for those aged 26 and under, were not addressed.”
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