'Everyone in Laois will benefit' - claims Laois Minister of 'caring Budget'
The Government has put the people first in its Budget 2024 spending plan according to Minister Seán Fleming who has claimed everyone in Laois will benefit.
The Fianna Fáil TD welcomed Budget 2024, announced by the Government Ministers Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe.
"This will help low and middle-income families and all people in society. Everyone in Laois and across the country will benefit from this Budget," he said.
He added that working families and people on state pensions and payments will see more money in their pockets, which he said would help with the cost of living.
"This Government’s caring Budget will help our older people, families, people living on their own and will provide much needed supports," he said.
He outlined new measures and supports for working families, students and young people under Budget 2024 in bullet points:
- An increase in the net take-home pay for all earners, including an increase of €1,500 in the tax standard cut-off point.
- The USC rate will be cut from 4.5% to 4%. This is the first reduction of USC in 5 years.
- New energy credits worth €450 for households.
- Childcare costs cut by 25%.
- Free schoolbooks for all children in junior cycle of secondary school.
- Double month payment for child benefit (1.2 million children).
- Minimum wage to rise by €1.40 to €12.70 per hour.
- Renters will get a tax credit increase from €500 to €750.
- Mortgage interest tax relief of up to €1,250 for eligible households.
- Child benefit extended to 18 year olds who are still in second-level education.
- €100 increase in the Back to School Allowance.
- Rental tax credit will be available to families with children in student accommodation and digs.
- Student Contribution Fee reduced by €1,000 for higher education students eligible for the free fees initiative.
He added that Budget 2024 helps working people, working parents and families with the cost-of-living. he said there will be an increase of €12 in the weekly state pension and all social protection payments.
He added the following bullet point measures in his statment:
- Double week payment for all social welfare recipients.
- €300 lump sum payment this year for all on the fuel allowance.
- €200 lump sum for all on the Living Alone Allowance.
- €400 lump sum for people in receipt of Carer’s Support, Disability Allowance and Invalidity Pensions.
- €54 per week increase in the Working Family Payment plus a €400 lump sum payment.
- €12 per week increase across the board for weekly welfare payments.
He said people who rent out houses will get a tax-break of up to €1,000, rising every year up to 2027.
"Budget 2024 is a good Budget and all fair-minded people will see that. The Government has put the people first in this Budget," he concluded.