Households are in for a "long winter” with rising bills, and inflation at its highest in 10 years, economists and consumer organisations have warned. There has been a 10% hike in transport costs, and more than a 7% rise in housing, water, electricity, and gas prices over the past year. Research by KBC Bank has found 58% of consumers have already felt significant price pressures impacting their living costs. In reality, every budget will be affected negatively by increasing costs, specifically in transportation, housing, fuel, and energy, he said. “While this is good news, housing costs have increased in urban and rural locations alongside cities across the country, so the options to find a more affordable alternative are decreasing, together with poor housing supply.

Source: Irish Examiner September 10, 2021 05:26 UTC