Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has criticised the Government’s much hyped Budget measures to tackle fuel poverty, saying that very few families are eligible and that the increases won’t kick in until January. Teachta Crowe said that everyone, except the government it seems, are seeing the huge spikes in fuel costs and finding that heating a home is more expensive than ever.

Teachta Crowe said:

“All across the state, families are seeing their heating bills sky rocket. Oil and gas prices are steadily climbing as winter approaches.

“The Government has shown no initiative in reducing the burden on families when it comes to heating their homes and have only made matters worse by slapping higher carbon taxes on fuel in the face on rising inflation.

“The Government tried to spin it that they were expanding the fuel allowance, but just 7,800 households across the state will benefit from the government’s much hyped measures on fuel poverty and that change will not take effect until January next year. Far too late for many families who are already trying to heat their homes as the temperature drops

“The Government needs to introduce a discretionary fund specifically for energy costs to assist those outside of the Fuel Allowance and remove VAT on domestic energy bills for low and middle income households.

“The Government failed to support workers and families in Budget 2022 and now they are failing to get a grip on the rising cost of living. They need to take immediate action on the price of fuel as no individual or family should left freezing or cold.”