How Budget 2014 will affect families:- Basic rate of social welfare will stay the same
- There will be no increase in income tax or USC
- Maternity benefit will be standardised at €230 a week
- GP only medical cards for all children under five
- College registration fees will increase by €250 to €2,750
- Pupil-Teacher-Ratio safe
- Private schools subsidy safe
- Home Renovation Incentive will allow growing families get VAT back over two years on renovations costing between €5,000 and €30,000
- Tax relief credits will be changed from the One Parent Tax Credit to Single Person Child Carer Tax Credit. Only the primary carer, rather than both single parents, will be able to claim.
