Budget 2010 Predictions

[j26]

My guess;

Spending

• PS paycuts to remove the remainder of benchmarking (e.g. in the civil service AP's got about 14%. 8%(ish) has been taken by the pension levy, so pay would be cut by a further 6%, also a suspension of increments for a "temporary period" 1,000 graduates to be employed for some unknown reason except the Greens seemed to want it.
• Health services will be cut to pay for Drumms bonus next year, but shedloads of cash will still be poured into the black hole that is our health service
• Most SW payments cut in line with deflation
• Child benefit cut to about 120 per child
• No new roads, maintenance on roads to be cut.
• Overseas aid to be cut somewhat (but not too much to avoid international ire)

Tax

• Lifting the PRSI ceiling (already pretty much announced)
• Cut tax credits and thresholds in line with deflation (Lenihan can still claim he didn't put up taxes)
• Green taxes to be introduced to give FF someone to blame coming up to the next election
• Reduction in Stamp Duty in a vain attempt to get the housing market moving again.

[mmrebel]

[Altruist]

[President Bartlet]

We are doomed! Doomed I tell ya! Run for the hills!

[libertarian-right]

The Minster is also expected to announce some economic stimulus measures, including a cut in excise on alcohol and investments in energy efficiency.

Alcohol will save us!

[willoughby]

Will probably make up my losses on weekly diesel through the carbon tax on savings on alcohol giving the cost of a night out. The one business that has not dropped costs (in general anyway) are the publicans.

[Bi ciuin]

The biggest issue I think were going to have is the Carbon Tax.

That will cost each and everyone one of us from home heating to food prices.

[toughbutfair]

The biggest issue I think were going to have is the Carbon Tax.

That will cost each and everyone one of us from home heating to food prices.

Gas is cheap, another 8% cut on the way.

[Bi ciuin]

Gas is cheap, another 8% cut on the way.

Not available where I live, and I have no doubt that Carbon Tax will make up for the 8% cut.

[President Bartlet]

So what are the odds on the govt collapsing tonight?