The Irish public has been voicing their opinions on the upcoming budget announcement on September 27.
The government will be unveiling a package of measures aimed at cushioning the blow of the current cost of living crisis as many families struggle to keep up.
From social welfare changes to tax cuts and energy credits, the public has been promised the most vital support will be universal.
READ MORE: Hundreds of thousands could be about to get €500 boost to pay packet in Budget 2023
According to findings collected by taxback.com, 90% of respondents are calling for cuts in taxes on motor and home fuels while four in ten believe childcare fees should be fully tax-deductible.
When it comes to the top of social welfare, the public is pretty much split down the middle on whether or not the Government should increase social welfare payments in Budget 2023.
The Pre-Budget 2023 Taxpayer Sentiment Survey - which examined the public’s Budget 2023 “wishlist” - revealed that just over half (51%) of the 1,500 respondents would not support substantial increases to social welfare payments in line with inflation in Budget 2023.
On the other hand, almost nine in ten believe the Government should cut taxes on petrol, diesel, home heating oil or gas in the upcoming Budget.
45% of people said the Government should cut the taxes on petrol and diesel in Budget 2023 – while a further 43% said there should be less tax on home heating oil and gas.
The findings of the Taxback.com survey also highlight the extent to which many parents are still struggling with childcare costs, with over 90% suggesting the Government should take some action to help reduce childcare costs for families throughout the country.
Speaking about the findings, Marian Ryan, consumer tax manager with Taxback.com, said: “Interestingly, while there are widespread calls for financial support, the public are split on the issue of funding increased welfare payments through the Exchequer.
“It’s easy to understand why there might be division - there really is no easy way to split the national pot - with this year being more difficult than ever due to rising inflation and the range of difficult macroeconomic factors we are experiencing.
“The majority of households in Ireland are undoubtedly feeling the pinch at this stage, and while targeting resources at those most in need is absolutely vital, there are also thousands of households in the ‘squeezed-middle’ who are likely finding themselves struggling, but who don’t benefit from many of the social allowances and welfare supports out there, such as school and educational allowances.”
She went on to say there there is a clear majority in favour of tax cuts on fuel. “Of those surveyed, 45pc feel the Government should cut taxes on petrol and diesel in Budget 2023 to ease the hit of today’s runaway fuel prices on people’s pockets, while 43pc said there should be less tax on home heating oil and gas.
“In considering the overall impact of taxation cuts, one would need to take other factors into account – such as the availability of any fuel allowance and also any eligibility criteria that might apply to tax cuts on fuel. Hopefully, such measures would make it easier for people over the winter, especially where these cuts might coincide with any fuel allowance payments for less well-off households and pensioners.”
Speaking about the cost of childcare, Ms Ryan highlighted over 90% believe Government should take some action to help reduce costs for families throughout the country, “which is unsurprising given that some families around the country are paying fees that are akin to a second mortgage.
"Tax relief on fees was the most popular option at 37pc, followed by an extension of the free childcare place scheme at 23pc.”
She said the general consensus is that the public are crying out for help in many areas as the cost of living continues to skyrocket.
“Fiscal measures to ease the deepening impact of the rising cost of living in Ireland are obviously at the top of pretty much everyone’s Budget wishlist this year.
“Help with the cost of heating, fuel and childcare are all high on people’s agenda, but as ever, who to give this financial support to, and where to find the money to do so, will be two of the many conundrums facing those in power ahead of Budget 2023.”
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