No cure for Charlie prices hike hangover

CONSUMERS are set for a long-lasting hangover this new year, as the headache of a series of price hikes on many goods and services kicks in today.

Pockets will be hit immediately this morning as the 12.5% lower rate of VAT is increased to 13.5%. The move was announced in Charlie McCreevy’s Budget, but becomes effective today. The rise will add to the price of day-to-day products such as newspapers, fuels, hairdressers and building costs, while hotels and restaurants will charge more for food and drink.

On top of the continually rising inflation and threatened wage freezes, it’s set to be a year of belt-tightening across the board. The Government has been blamed for the spiralling increases in the cost of living by