Families to feel effect of budget measures

FAMILIES face a raft of new charges and stealth taxes this week with the introduction of measures agreed in the budget.

Increased health insurance costs, higher public transport fares and a hike in VAT will all also hit consumers, as people struggle to cope with revenue-raising measures signed off on by the Coalition.

It is has been estimated that the average family could be up to €2,000 worse off as a result of what are now been deemed the “dirty dozen” New Year hikes.