Post-Budget Analysis
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Item Analysis of Budget 2012 from a Children and Families Perspective(Barnardos, 2011) BarnardosBarnardos is particularly concerned about the cumulative affect the cuts to social welfare and public services coupled with the imposition of more taxes will have on vulnerable low income families. Larger families (with 3 or more children), lone parent families and rural families are particularly hit in Budget 2012 and we are worried that this will lead to further hardship and greater incidences of poverty and deprivation for children.Item Children’s Perspective of Budget 2018(Barnardos, 2017) BarnardosBudget 2018 has provided some small gains for families, such as funding for frontline health services and investment in housing supports. However, it is disappointing that it fails to provide real solutions for the major challenges facing children today. The Government has not delivered on promises of a new era of politics. Budget 2018 lacks clear vision and ambition to advance children’s rights. In an effort to appease everyone it fails to create genuine opportunities or build solid foundations for children to thrive. The reductions in the rates of USC and increases in the standard rate tax band amount to a miniscule increase in take home pay for workers - roughly €4 per week, at a cost of approximately €335million to the state. These funds would be far better invested in services and could ensure clear waiting lists ensuring rapid access to health services, providing a truly free primary school system and significantly increase investment in early childhood care and education giving all children the best possible start in life.Item Analysis of Budget 2016 from a Child Perspective(Barnardos, 2015) BarnardosBarnardos welcomes the investment in children in Budget 2016 as an important first step in tackling child poverty and inequality. It will, however, take a sustained plan to properly resource the services which most impact children’s lives if we are to repair the damage done by years of austerity and underinvestment during ‘boom’ years. In particular, Barnardos welcomes the long overdue investment in childcare as move in the right direction for children. Whilst recognising there are limited funds available, Barnardos would like to have seen a more coherent and long term investment approach taken by the Government and feels there were some glaring missed opportunities to truly tackle child inequality head on and invest in children’s futures in sustainable way.Item Analysis of Budget 2015 from a Children and Families Perspective(Barnardos, 2014) BarnardosBarnardos is pleased that some announcements made in Budget 2015 show the Government is keen to offer some relief to low income families. Measures such as a €5 increase in child benefit for all families will help alleviate some financial pressure and the substantial investment in social housing is welcomed. However, it is disappointing that more spending was not invested in key services such as healthcare, education and childcare which would make a tangible difference to the lives of many children. Ensuring access to timely medical interventions, appropriate educational supports and quality subsidised childcare would not only benefit the child directly but also make sound economic sense. Invest now and save in the future should be a guiding principle shaping Ireland’s recovery.Item Analysis of Budget 2014 from a Children and Families Perspective(Barnardos, 2013) BarnardosBarnardos welcomes some key measures announced in Budget 2014 particularly those that will ease the financial burden on many hard pressed families. The introduction of practical measures such as free GP care to the under fives and the roll out of school book rental schemes in primary schools are very welcome. After seven harsh austerity budgets that left many families reeling, the retaining of social welfare rates, including Child Benefit, at current levels are also welcome. However, other measures will have an adverse affect on expectant mothers, young single unemployed people and some medical card holders. And while some funding has been allocated to improve quality in pre-school settings, this sector continues to be plagued by under-investment meaning Ireland will continue to lag behind its EU counterparts in having a comprehensive, quality, affordable and accessible sector across all settings.