SVP vision for 2030 prompts recommendations for next Government

SVP launches its budget proposals as calls for help this year are expected to exceed quarter of a million

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has set out its recommendations for the forthcoming budget as it expects calls for help this year to exceed 250,000 for the first time.

Last year SVP recorded a quarter of a million calls and from January to June this year the number of calls are 5% up on the same period in 2023.

SVP has now called on the Government to deliver an equal and inclusive Budget 2025.

In its Pre-Budget Submission launched today (9th July) it says that it continues to work for social justice and there are 10 figures that must be tackled and reduced:

• 913,000 people going without basics.
• Over 250,000 children in the state now living in enforced deprivation.
• Over 13,500 people living in emergency accommodation.
• More than 4,000 children without a home.
• Between €30 and €550 per child in ‘voluntary’ contribution requested.
• €11,766 is the average cost of going to college including rent.
• 37% of households don’t have any money left to save.
• The gap between core social welfare rates and the cost of an MESL which stands at €48.
• 546,000 went without heating in 2023 due to cost.
• The number of households unable to afford adequate heating doubles between 2021 and 2023.

The SVP has 16 key recommendations for the forthcoming budget. Some measures they include:

• Increasing core social welfare rates by €20.
• Improve access to childcare for low income families and support lone parents at work.
• Provide every child in homelessness access to a support worker.
• Extend free books to senior cycle and increase the capitation grant by 30%.
• Expand the Fuel Allowance to low income working families.
• Invest in in-school therapy supports for children with additional needs.

The SVP Vision for 2030 is an Ireland where everyone is guaranteed an adequate income and can access to all the services they need to thrive.

In an unusual move for a pre-budget submission it also sets out 18 recommendations for the next Government which include:

• Retain the Child Poverty and Wellbeing unit and create a ringfenced Children’s Budget.
• Set up an Independent Social Welfare Commission and benchmark social welfare rates to a Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL).
• Commit to a full funding review of schools to deliver genuinely free education and an end to parental contributions.
• Mainstream a National Community Energy Advice Service providing tailored one-to-one support for people experiencing energy poverty.
• Set up a special taskforce to address waiting lists for children with additional needs.

Rose McGowan SVP National President said “We know parents are put under pressure all year round and will cut down on their own need for food to make sure their children can eat.

“Our members have met older people who go to bed early to stay warm during the colder months. People are constantly juggling rent, utility bills, school charges and supplies for their children, transport costs and food shopping.

“More and more families caring for children with additional needs are coming to SVP for support with the cost of essentials. Over 50% of our Conferences received these type of requests last year. This is a huge gap in state support for children that creates significant stress and strain for families which SVP members step in to address.

“We are meeting more people who are working on low pay and their rents are rising. Low incomes combined with unaffordable and inaccessible services are keeping far too many people in poverty.

“While these are significant challenges, we know with the right policies Government can make a difference and SVP’s voice and analysis can have an impact.”

Dr Tricia Keilthy, SVP Head of Social Justice said “The cost-of-living crisis continues for people in poverty - low pay, lack of adequate income supports, rising housing costs and homelessness, deprivation among refugees and asylum seekers, unaffordable childcare and lack of transport are just some of the challenges we are facing.

“This year’s submission focuses on the key areas that we believe will have the biggest impact of the lives of people experiencing poverty, social exclusion, and lost potential. This is the final budget of the current Government and it is the last opportunity to leave a positive legacy on the lives of individuals, families and children across the country.

“Government must offer hope and show leadership based on the values of human dignity, social justice, equality and the collective good of society. These values must carry through beyond Budget 2025 and into the next Programme for Government.”

Read Full Pre-Budget Submission 2025