1 week Ago By [email protected] (Louise Burne)
Tens of thousands of pensioners will receive free TV licences and have their energy bills cut under plans to be announced by Fine Gael on Saturday. The Irish Mirror understands the party will commit to lowering the eligibility for the Household Benefits Package from 70 to 66. The Household Benefits Package reduces older people’s monthly electricity and gas bills by €35.
This will see bills reduced by €420 over the course of a year. READ MORE: Row breaks out between Fianna Fail's Jim O'Callaghan and Fine Gael's Helen McEntee READ MORE: Fianna Fáil's Micheál Martin promises Child Benefit boost and free GP care for under 12s It will also see tens of thousands of pensions become eligible for free TV licences. The proposal is part of what sources have described as an “older persons guarantee” and will form part of Fine Gael’s full manifesto, which will be unveiled by Taoiseach Simon Harris in Tipperary on Sunday morning.
It is understood Mr Harris will announce his intention to progressively increase the Living Alone Allowance. It’s understood that the Fine Gael manifesto will also commit to increasing the weekly State pension to at least €350 over the next government's term. “The Taoiseach is very keen to do more for our pensioners, recognising the fact they have worked all their lives and need to be looked after,” a Fine Gael source said.
“The Households Benefit and the Living Alone Allowance are two ways in which we can support pensioners with the cost of living.” Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone.
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