The minimum expenditure for a low-cost but acceptable standard of living for a one-parent and two-child family is €259.29 per week, €25 more than the present amount, according to a new study published by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice (VPSJ) today.
The study provides information on the actual cost of an acceptable living budget for three different households: Pensioner Couple, Lone Parent and two children, Couple and two children on low income.
According to the VSPJ a "low cost but acceptable budget" includes the basic necessities and allows for some minor unexpected demands e.g. breakages, household repairs etc. It does not include any expenditure on alcohol, tobacco or pets — nor allowance for savings or pension schemes.
The study found that an acceptable budget was €259.29 a week for a one-parent and two-child family in receipt of a One Parent Family Payment. (Present income = €235.67), €326.36 for a two-parent and two-child household dependent on unemployment benefit (Present income = €320.07) and €210.97 a week for a pensioner couple on a non-contributory pension (Present income = €276.05)
The VSPJ also found that the cost of full time childcare makes full time employment unrealistic for the lone parent household.
The study recommends that social welfare and the minimum wage be benchmarked to an amount which allows for a low cost but acceptable standard of living and a more equitable distribution of national resources.
It also recommends increasing payments to the lone parent and two children households and two parents and two children households. Making childcare affordable (related to income) and accessible (increase the number of community based services)and making provision for long term care insurance schemes for elderly people.
Speaking at the launch, Sr. Bernadette Mac Mahon of the VPSJ said the results were "disturbing for a country that regards itself as a successful and modern economy".
Sr MacMahon also thanked the Combat Poverty Agency and The Society of St Vincent de Paul for their financial support for this research and Professor Jonathan Bradshaw (University of York) for guidance and practical assistance.