Energy costs - Price hikes hitting needy families most

MASSIVE hikes in gas and electricity prices are forcing the St Vincent de Paul Society to spend millions of euro supporting needy families who cannot afford to meet soaring bills.

The plight of families hit by rocketing energy prices is set to deteriorate even further if they face a hard winter. Then the cost of heating homes which lack adequate insulation will literally go through the roof.

Age Action Ireland is already warning that elderly people could die in severe winter conditions.

Last year, the St Vincent de Paul paid out €3m to help thousands of struggling families. At the same time, according to debt counsellors, the increases are hitting middle-class people.

There is a compelling argument for the Government to make a positive intervention in this grim scenario. Since VAT on gas and electricity increases with every price hike, the amount of tax paid by vulnerable families should be capped.