Call for 30% rise in allowance as bills soar

CAMPAIGNERS for lone-parent families want to see 30% increases in fuel allowances following whopping hikes in gas and electricity bills.

From next month Bord Gáis bills go up by 33.8% and electricity is increasing 19.7% from January, adding 37 a month to household bills.

The One Family campaign group for lone parents wants to see fuel allowances hiked by €4.20 a week to help single-parent families meet the inflation-busting hikes.