#cost-of-living

#cost-of-living

Voters in the Bahamas head to the polls on Tuesday in a hotly contested general election featuring high-profile candidates such as the former basketball champion Rick Fox. Voters in the Caribbean archipelago are divided over concerns about immigration, especially from neighbouring Haiti, and the rising cost of living, with significant spikes in gas prices caused by war in the Middle East.

Households cut back on their spending in April at the fastest pace in 18 months, as the conflict in the Middle East provoked fears of another cost of living crisis, a report from one of the UK's biggest banks has suggested. Barclays, which processes nearly 40% of the UK's credit and debit card transactions, said its data showed there had been a 0.1% fall in card spending last month compared with a year earlier. This was the first year-on-year fall since November 2024.

Tax cuts and targeted measures for older people are on the cards for the next budget, the Taoiseach has said.

Tax cuts and targeted measures for older people are on the cards for the next budget, the Taoiseach has said. The Government is also aiming for a new Cost of Disability payment later this year.

"It's the old adage of follow the money," Mike Vigna, president at the recruiting firm RestaurantZone, stated, emphasizing the financial motivations behind the shift of fast-food companies to the South.

Only 22 percent of respondents back Trump's performance on the cost of living. Affordability has been a top issue for US voters, especially amid rising inflation.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said the impact of the war in Iran will likely continue to be felt 'in the winter' as he did not rule out once-off energy measures in the upcoming Budget.

55% of respondents to a Gallup poll conducted from April 1-15 reported that their financial situation is getting worse, an increase from 53% last year and 47% in 2024.

Flooring Superstore has drafted in Begbies Traynor and the restructuring arm of Santander to weigh its options, with a company voluntary arrangement or full administration both on the table.

Jeffries stated, 'Of course not! Our top priority is going to be to drive down the high cost of living. We believe in this country: you work hard, and you play by the rules, and you should be able to live an affordable life, a comfortable life.'

Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, stated that soaring fuel prices and the prospect of higher energy costs serve as constant reminders of the inflationary shock from the war, leading to consumer jitters.

At a time of rapidly rising costs across utilities, groceries, clothing and just about every other type of consumer goods, Irish shoppers are feeling the pinch in their pockets.