Cost of living increases hurt those most vulnerable

Low-income earners and families are set to be hit by higher fees and charges in the State Government’s latest Budget.

WA households can expect to pay an extra $324 a year in utilities, tariffs and fares from July 1.

The State Government handed down its 2014-15 Budget last week, upping its spending on health, police, education and disability services.

But the Government has come under fire for increasing the cost of living — including hikes to water and power bills, public transport fares and car registration fees.

WA Treasurer Mike Nahan has defended the Budget, saying household costs were always on the rise but the Government was doing its best to keep them as low as possible.

Opposition leader Mark McGowan said the “horror” Budget would hammer people with unaffordable costs at a time of economic growth in WA.

“Since coming to power in 2008, Colin Barnett has hit Rockingham residents for six, with a whopping $2479 worth of increases,” he said.

The WA Council of Social Service flagged public housing rent increases, of about $624 extra a year, as untenable.