Pension increases and cuts to childcare costs likely to feature in Budget 2027

Potential increases to the state pension and reductions in childcare costs are expected be among the main measures when Budget 2027 is delivered.

Finance Minister Simon Harris and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers will unveil the spending plan in the Dáil later on Tuesday.

Government leaders met for several hours on Monday to sign off on the final Budget measures.

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers (Niall Carson/PA)

PA Wire

The Budget is also expected to include a cut in the Student Contribution Fee and measures to cut the cost of childcare.

Spending on defence is set to increase, while there will be an expected weekly increase in the state pension and social welfare payments.

The budget also comes amid growing concern over fuel prices.

Protests over the issue were held in several parts of the country earlier in the year.

A package of measures to help people with the cost of living are expected.

Changes to income tax are expected to involve moves in tax bands, credits and the universal social charge (USC).

The amount available for first-time buyers under the Help to Buy Scheme is expected to increase.

Speaking on Monday, Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he has a “favourable disposition” towards scrapping stamp duty for first-time buyers.

Mr Harris said the coalition is “ad idem” about helping first-time buyers.

Mr Harris said plans for a culture card which would give young people a voucher towards experiencing the arts are not “dead in the water”.