WITH LESS THAN a week to go until Budget 2027, the government knows it must deliver a budget that puts more money in the pockets of working people struggling with the cost of living.

The budget kites have been flying high for a while now, and we know there’ll be changes to the point at which workers start paying the 40% rate of income tax. We know that measures to lower childcare fees are being discussed, that a rent tax credit is on the cards and of course we know that details of Minister Simon Harris’ much anticipated savings and investment scheme will be announced.

But the wind has failed to take one particular kite. 15 years after the Universal Social Charge was introduced, why are we not talking about making real reforms to what was once an emergency measure?

USC came into effect in January 2011, when Ireland was in a difficult financial position. It replaced the income levy and health levy and helped broaden the tax base. Ireland now is a very different country, yet USC is still a permanent fixture on the payslip.

I’ve worked as a financial adviser for more than 25 years. In my experience, most people don’t examine income tax, USC and PRSI as........

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