Budget 2026: Which Side of the Coin Are You On?

Budget 2026 has landed, and the big question is: whose side of the coin are you on? With tax cuts for developers and restaurants, but nothing for the average Joe, it's sparking some serious debate.

Tax Cuts: Who Wins, Who Loses?

This year's budget is handing out tax breaks to developers and the hospitality sector, while workers are left empty-handed. The VAT rate for restaurants, pubs, and hairdressers is dropping, and developers are getting incentives to build more apartments. Opposition TDs are not thrilled, with some saying the government is prioritizing corporations over the working class.

Ged Nash, Labour's finance spokesperson, didn't mince words, accusing the government of choosing Ronald McDonald over everyday workers. Ouch!

Cost-of-Living Crisis: Still a Struggle?

While there are increases in welfare supports, many are questioning whether enough is being done to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. There's no broad cost-of-living package, and the popular energy credits aren't being renewed. This is a major point of contention, with critics arguing that the budget falls short of addressing the financial pressures facing ordinary people.

Housing: Still a Crisis?

Ah, housing. The never-ending story. The good news is that the rent tax credit is extended, and mortgage interest tax relief continues. Plus, there's an attempt to speed up construction with increased relief for "over the shop" premises and a new tax on derelict properties. But the Help to Buy scheme isn't increasing, and the First Home Scheme won't cover non-new-build homes. Critics say the "over the shop" relief could lead to smaller apartments, and the derelict property tax might take ages to implement. It is still a crisis.

Other Divisive Issues

The debates don't stop there. The means test for the carer's allowance hasn't been abolished, and the college fees cut is smaller than promised. But hey, at least there's no increase in alcohol tax. Small victories, right?

My Two Cents

Look, it's always a balancing act, right? But it feels like Budget 2026 is tipping the scales a bit too much towards developers and businesses. Sure, a strong economy is important, but so is supporting the people who make it run. Maybe a little less for the Hamburglar and a bit more for Joe and Joan Murphy?

So, as you sit down with your pint to discuss Budget 2026, remember: every coin has two sides. Just make sure you're on the side that feels fair to you. Cheers to that!