The price of a pint will be left alone in the Budget to give hard-pressed consumers some reprieve.
However, while punters will be able to enjoy a drink for the same price this week, if they go out for a smoke it will cost them more as the tax on cigarettes is set to be hiked up again, by an expected 50c a pack. There will be no added pain for motorists as the taxes on fuel will not go up, with cuts on excise introduced last April set to continue past February, at least.
And the cost of heating your home will be eased with two energy credits worth up to €300 each, one to hit our accounts before Christmas and another then again before the end of March. The giveaway will continue across all government departments with social welfare one of the biggest winners in the tense Budget negotiations between line ministers and Michael McGrath.
