High utility prices means families cannot take 'shock' of cancelled energy credits, opposition says
Figures published by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities show the number of households in arrears on their electricity and gas bills has jumped by 70,000 in the last year. File picture
The Government has been criticised for ruling out a cost-of-living package in October's Budget, with the opposition saying people need assistance because of the high price of food and energy.
The Government has repeatedly ruled out the prospect of such a package being included in this year's Budget, arguing that the rate of inflation has eased and the threat of US tariffs make the future finances of the country harder to predict.
