TheCity

Tag: Charities

  • Child Benefit Boost Delayed: Charities Warn of Growing Poverty Crisis

    Child Benefit Boost Delayed: Charities Warn of Growing Poverty Crisis

    By: Owain Comerford

    Owain Comerford Jones

    Children’s charities, and members of the Social Democrats have strongly criticised the Government, following the decision to delay the introduction of a second tier child benefit paymemt.

    The proposed top up, which would have provided families in need an extra €145 per month on top of existing monthly child benefit payments will not be included in the 2026 budget, despite talks of its introduction.

    Social Democrat’s children’s spokesperson Adrian Farrelly stated “this government’s failure to plan for two tier child benefit in Budget 2026 shows a serious disconnection from the growing child poverty crisis.”

    The disappointment with The Government’s decision follows a nationwide survey by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), which found a striking 84% of participants say they are worried about the cost of living.

    Photo: Towfiqu Barbhuya – Unsplash

    The Children’s Rights Alliance emphasised the scale of the issue, noting that “one in seven children were living in households dependant on incomes 60 per cent below the median. One in five children (21.2) were living in enforced deprivation.”

    In its Pre Budget Submission, SVP also highlighted the severity of child poverty, describing figures as “deeply concerning” stating that “consistent poverty has increased from 4.8% in 2023, to 8.5% in 2024. That’s over 45,000 more children now living in consistent poverty.”

    Further emphasising the inadequacy of current supports within the country, SVP’s National President, Rose McGowan, added that current supports are insufficient and “currently meet only 64% of a teenagers needs.”

    Photo: Luke Pennystan – Unsplash

    Barnardos CEO, Suzanne Connolly also highlighted the urgent need for targeted financial support, stating “Every day across our services we see immediate and long term difference that early intervention can make to help a child thrive.”

    The charity also pointed to the ongoing struggles faced by children, noting that “we witness too many children across the country going without daily necessities and access to vital services.”

    Both Barnardos and SVP have made clear calls for increases to existing child payments, arguing that current modest payments are insufficient to meet basic living costs.

    SVP has recommended increasing current child income supports by €15 per week for children aged 12 and over, highlighting that “current payments meet just 64% of their essential needs” along with an increase of €6 per week for those under 12.

    Barnardos similarly urges targeted top ups of the same figures to ensure that children in low income families have access to essential needs and vital services.

    From the Government side, Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary has defended the delay, citing the need for careful planning while emphasising that extra payments remain a priority.

    “A second tier of child payment is something that we are looking at within the department, and my officials are doing a lot of work on it. The proposals around it, though, would involve a complete rejig of existing payments” said the Minister.

  • ‘It is the charities job to ensure that they get good value for them’: Why Charity Retailers have priced-up its clothing items 

    By Renee Melia

    Today Charity retailers consider themselves high street retailers as the standards of the shops have improved to attract buyers looking for a pocket-friendly second-hand piece of clothing and more. Chairperson of Charity Retail Ireland, Mark Sweeney explains the reasons behind the increases and confronts misconceptions surrounding charity retail.  

    A common misconception about charity retailers is that it doesn’t pay rent or have the same overhead costs as other high street retailers, according to Mark Sweeney, Chairperson of Charity Retail Ireland, a representative body for charities that operate retail spaces for its charity on the island of Ireland.  

    “Most charity shops will have a paid manager and/or deputy manage.  With the nature of volunteering, not as many people are interested in volunteering as once used to be. We do have to put in staff to ensure that the shops are run correctly,” he said.  

    “We’re in a period where charity shops are trading very well, and that goes across the island,” Sweeney said.  

    Photo: Renee Melia

    In 2022, clothing sales accounted for the biggest proportion of sales at 66% or 7.2 million garments sold according to Charity Retail impact report. The report stated clothing sales are expected to increase due a move to a more circular approach to fashion-giving clothes and materials a extended life. 

    62,230 tonnes of carbon equivalent emissions were avoided through its members shops in 2022, stated the report.    

    In 2023, almost half of Irish consumers report that they are either extremely (19%) or very concerned (26%) about their personal financial situation. Over three-quarters said that they changed their non-essential spending. 15% have stopped non-essential spending altogether according to PwC report Irish Consumer Insights Survey.  

    Many Irish consumers are willing to pay a higher-than-average price for sustainable product types, despite Irish consumers not feeling confident in their financial situation at 77%.  

    In an article by The Irish Times buyers of clothing in charity retail said they noticed the price increases within the stores. 

    “We are there to raise money. And that’s why our pricing is reflective of that,” Sweeney said 

    Staff at St Vincent De Paul and Oxfam have said that items are priced according to the material that it is made from and the brand. And within Oxfam the charity retail is open to negotiate prices with customers. 

    “All charity shops sell really good value clothing. There are items in a charity shop, from trousers to jackets, to jumpers that are priced at a low price, that are affordable to all.  When a charity shop is donated a good piece of clothing, a high-end piece of clothing and designer piece of clothing, or a good high street piece of clothing. It is the charities job to ensure that they get the value for them. 

    “Because somebody that donates to a charity or given something from their wardrobe in hopes that whatever they they’ve donated will raise funds for that charity. And the charities have an obligation to ensure that we price that correctly and we do price things correctly,” said Sweeney.  

    Another misconception Sweeney points out about charity retail is, “that they’re mostly old, smelly, dusty and disorganised. They’re not.” He continues to add that nowadays someone shopping in a charity retail today will find “a much more organised and commercially viable retailer”.   

    “There are over 500 charity shops on the island of Ireland, and we have been one of the biggest preserves of sustainability and circular fashion without even knowing it.  And my ask of people is to go back to our roots. Repair your clothing. Reuse your clothing. Recycle your clothes and give them a second life,” concluded Sweeney.