New poor created by stealth taxes and cuts

A NEW category of poor is being created by Government stealth taxes and the 16 cuts announced in this week’s Book of Estimates.

St Vincent de Paul (SVP), which recorded a staggering 94% rise in calls during the third quarter of this year, said a significant number of those seeking assistance were facing hardship because of hikes in utility bills and the introduction of indirect taxes.

“We have found an increase in the number of people who are working but in low-paid jobs. These are people and families who are just above a lot of safety nets and thresholds for medical cards and other allowances,” said John Mark McCafferty of SVP. “They will take the full brunt of whatever charges have been introduced (in the Estimates).”