Sir, – Regarding the cost of living crisis, once again childcare costs are at the centre of the Government’s plans. There is no doubt they are high. Pensions are also mentioned, and this is appropriate as many people on a pension are on a fixed income thus hit very hard by inflation.
However, once again single-person households are forgotten. These households often face the same sunk costs as families in regard to many of their bills but with half the income. This can leave them more vulnerable to economics shocks.
Furthermore, they pay a greater percentage of tax than a family would at the same income.
Why are they always forgotten?
A lot has changed for US women since 2016. What does that mean for Kamala Harris?
Forty years of the Dart: ‘Dealing with the public is one of the hardest things anyone can do’
Mark Francis: Acoustic Oceans review – A fascinating development in the Irish artist’s decades-spanning career
Fake phone calls, meeting pretend-presidents and being ambushed by your parents on TV: The rituals of All-Ireland week
This problem is particularly acute in Dublin and also for those in the public service, where it is being flagged that wage negotiations aren’t going to keep up with inflation. Although at current rates, it’s likely few salaries, public or private, will keep up with inflation.
A married couple get a tax credit just for getting married. When there was a marriage bar and women couldn’t work this was very understandable. However, that is no longer the case. This discrimination also applies to inheritance tax and use of the fair deal scheme, among others.
Any current Government cost of living support is family oriented, as is the language of Government and media when talking about the cost of living crisis. It is always families rather than households.
Why is it still acceptable to discriminate in this way? – Yours, etc,
NIAMH BYRNE,
Fairview,
Dublin 3.