2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Rise in Kerry people seeking advice on ‘crippling financial' pressure
MABS say its pre-Budget submission highlights a deepening crisis among low-income and vulnerable households that is driven by unsustainable mortgage repayments, soaring rental costs, and crippling utility arrears.
Among the main Kerry concerns flagged by MABS is mortgage distress, utility bills, and unaffordable rents. There is an average of 190 new clients every month in the region reflecting the hundreds of households facing choices between heating, rent, food or mortgage payments.
MABS say that temporary arrangements for struggling mortgage holders are proving unsustainable as interest rate increases were passed on rapidly, while rate decreases have not been.
Many mortgages, now held by non-bank entities, carry higher interest and fewer protections. MABS revealed it has seen a sharp rise in utility arrears, with some bills reaching up to €9,000.
'We cannot build sustainable repayment plans when providers are asking for lump sums that our clients simply don't have,' said Ursula Collins, Regional Manager of South Munster MABS.
She added that the winding down of hardship funds and the uncertainty around energy credits has left many vulnerable households at serious risk of disconnection.
In terms of rent, MABS say clients are being asked to pay rents that exceed their income—even when receiving support such as HAP. In one recent case, a household earning €1,200 per month was being asked to pay €1,300 in rent.
Ahead of the autumn budget, MABS Kerry's Service Delivery Manager, Eamonn Foley, urged policymakers to implement practical, evidence-based recommendations.
'These are outlined in our pre-budget submission to prevent deeper hardship and long-term social costs. We want to ensure Budget 2026 is people-centred and will help vulnerable households desperately in need of support,' Mr Foley said.
Among the listed budget recommendations will be a social energy tariff, overhaul of HAP and Rent Supplement systems, reform of the Mortgage to Rent scheme.
MABS will also request stronger protections against utility disconnection, wider access to hardship funds and emergency supports, and the introduction of a cross-government financial inclusion strategy.
