Calls for carbon tax hike cash to help elderly

Age Action Ireland has called on the Government to divert the extra money it will get from this Thursday’s hike in tax on solid fuels to protect vulnerable pensioners.

On May 1, the second phase of the solid fuel carbon tax will add €1.20 to the price of a bag of coal and 24c to a bale of briquettes.

Statistics show the increases will have a much greater impact on elderly people living alone in rural communities.