Poor hammered while rich escape the net

DESPITE the Government’s climbdown on two measures, the budget remains one for the rich while it hammers the poor.

Regardless of the raised income threshold for the over-70s’ medical card, applicants will still have to undergo a means test thereby rescinding the principle of a free universal health service for this section of the population.

At any given time, if the Government so wishes, this qualifying threshold can be reduced even further. It also opens the door for means testing of other universal entitlements for the over-70s, such as free travel.