Bigger utility bills - Mini-budget introduced by backdoor

HOT on the heels of revelations that the Government is introducing spending cuts in the public service by stealth, the country's hard-pressed consumers are facing bigger utility bills, including higher charges for electricity.

In the aftermath of an election campaign in which the outgoing administration told voters the days of milk and honey would never end, the bitter irony is that people are already being asked to tighten their belts with one hand while digging deep into their pockets with the other.

In what can only be described as the insidious introduction of a mini-budget by the backdoor, swinging cuts are now biting in health, education and overseas aid. On top of an increase of 18% in VHI premia already approved for the autumn, ESB bills for both domestic and business customers are also expected to jump by 15% in September.