Wealth tax would allow for a cost-of-living package in next month's budget
People have little or no discretion on food prices, which are 30% higher now than they were in 2021.
With budget day on October 7 fast approaching, the Government has been leaking less of its plans than previous years, except for one big leak — the minister for finance, Paschal Donohoe, has ruled out cost-of-living packages. If this decision remains unchanged, people will be dismayed, and with strong justification.
Food bills are growing alarmingly, with the average increase in the last year standing at 5%. Recent CSO figures show they rose by 0.4% in August alone, doubling from a 0.2% increase in July.
