Budget 2026: 500 cut in student fees, VAT cut for construction, 10 hike in pension - but childcare cost cuts unlikely

"Vat rate expected to be cut to 9pc for the building of new apartments and homes Old-age pension to rise by around €10 €500 cut in student fees expected Mental-health crisis teams to staff A&Es Unlikely to be any cut in cost of childcare"

"Builders and businesses are set to be the big winners in Budget 2026."

"There will be measures to reduce student costs and an increase to the old-age pension - but ministers fear a backlash from working families who may feel they are the ones being short-changed."

VAT will be cut to 9% for construction of new apartments and homes. The old-age pension will increase by about €10. Student fees will be cut by around €500, reducing costs for students. Mental-health crisis teams will be staffed in A&E departments. Childcare costs are unlikely to be reduced. Builders and businesses are expected to be primary beneficiaries of the measures. Ministers anticipate a possible backlash from working families who may perceive the measures as short-changing them. Overall fiscal choices prioritize housing construction and targeted social-cost reductions while leaving childcare largely unchanged.

Read at Independent