Pre-budget - what do people want?
Summary
John Cook reports from Kilkenny on how families are coping with rising costs ahead of Budget 2027. He interviews a qualified childcare worker, a single mother, and a parent on disability leave, who all highlight struggles with fuel bills, food inflation, and the high cost of childcare. The segment features the director of a local family resource center advocating for a second tier of child benefit to target low-income households. The report concludes by noting that while fuel allowances and tax credits are expected to rise, child benefit rates are likely to remain unchanged.
Topics discussed
Intro: Budget 2027 and cost of living preview
Visit to Father McGrath Family Resource Center in Kilkenny
Katrina Cantwell: Childcare education and qualifications
Struggles with wages, fuel costs, and prepaid heating
Disillusionment with the 'good job' dream and childcare needs
Jennifer Hughes: Single mum facing high bills and food costs
The penalty on work: Why returning to work costs more
Shared priorities: Childcare, energy, and child benefit
Stephen Murphy: Local economic disconnect and housing prices
Proposal for a second tier of child benefit
Expected budget measures: Welfare rates and fuel allowance
Status of second-tier child benefit and tax thresholds
Irene King: Two-income family struggles and energy grants
Childcare availability and frustration with budget coverage
Skepticism towards tax cuts and final report wrap-up
Listen ad-free on Castria