Budget 2023 will be revealed today – here’s a look at how things will unfold

Budget 2023 takes place today, about two weeks earlier than it usually does each year. While the last two budgets focused on Covid-19 supports, this year the focus is all on the rising cost-of-living. A once-off package will be announced to address the inflation and energy crisis, which is set to cost more than €3 billion this year. The budget surplus due to a high tax take is now estimated at more than €4.4 billion. There is a lot already known – such as a new credit for renters that pay tax, free school books for children in primary school, a doubling of some welfare payments before Christmas, an energy credit worth €600 across three energy bills and a 25% reduction in childcare costs. Both Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath are due to address TDs. Donohoe will take to his feet first at 1 pm to read his Budget speech. McGrath will follow, with each of the ministers’ speeches due to last around 45 minutes – so we should be done by around 2.30 pm or shortly thereafter.

The Journal

‘He told me not to look at myself’ – women welcome PSNI plan to tackle violence

Two women who were viciously assaulted by former partners have spoken out as the PSNI launches a new plan to tackle violence against women and girls. Jenny and Stacey told their stories as police laid out plans to encourage more reporting and secure prosecutions. Police statistics show that between 2017 and 2021, 34 women and girls in Northern Ireland were killed by men. The incidence of domestic abuse is currently at its highest ever level.

Independent.ie

UK Labour Party surges to largest poll lead over Tories in more than two decades

Labour’s lead over the Conservatives has grown to its largest in more than two decades following the government’s unpopular plan to cut taxes and increase borrowing, according to a new poll. The party headed by Sir Keir Starmer has an approval rating of 45pc while the Tories led by new prime minister Liz Truss trail behind at 28pc, the YouGov poll commissioned by The Times suggests. The 17-point lead represents a level of support for Labour not been seen since polling began in 2001, at the time of Tony Blair’s landslide victory against the Conservatives led by William Hague