Sir, – While single people may not enjoy the same tax breaks and State-sponsored benefits as families (Letters, July 13th), bear in mind that a single home owner of a typical three or four bedroom house could at least rent out those spare rooms, whereas a family would typically require them for their own children.
Alternatively, singles might opt to buy, or build, a much smaller, more affordable home than would be practical or desirable for a family.
In either case, singles and permanently child-free couples are at a clear financial advantage over families.
As a singleton myself, my main issue is the lack of small, affordable apartments in towns and cities, and the general negative attitude towards tiny homes in the countryside. – Yours, etc,
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WILL BREEN,
Cork.
Sir, your correspondent Niamh Byrne (Letters, July 13th) makes a cogent and balanced case that single people with no dependents are the forgotten group in the cohort of “households” and deserve better recognition under the tax code. The cost of living, based on a single source of income, is certainly higher.
For example, it’s not easy to buy food in single-portion sizes. You either eat the same meal two days in a row or have increased food wastage.
Rent is the same as for any size of family.
With the Government awash with additional cash, surely this is a case worthy of proper consideration in this year’s budget? – Yours etc,
NIALL PELLY SNR,
Foxrock,
Dublin 18.