The number of beneficiaries of the heating allowance is expanding, following the increase in the total amount to 300 million euros from 174 million euros last season, Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said. According to the minister, the income criteria are increased to 16,000 euros from 14,000 euros for single people and 24,000 euros from 20,000 euros for married people, plus 3,000 euros for each child. At the same time, the heating oil subsidy at the pump is expected to be 0.25 euros (including VAT) per litre, at a cumulative cost of 250 million euros.
Speaking on ERT1, the minister said that the budget allocated for pensioners will amount to 1.1 billion euros and will concern: the «accuracy check» of 250 euros in December to 2.3 million low-pensioners (the «check» will also receive uninsured seniors, people with disabilities and long-term unemployed), the permanent abolition of the solidarity contribution and the permanent increase in pensions.
Asked about the possibility of gas subsidies, he said that they are being worked on, pending decisions at European level.
As Mr.Staikouras said, the fiscal space in 2022 is exhausted in the heating allowance, the «accuracy check» and electricity subsidies. However, he added that «we have kept the ammunition (budget execution path and cash reserves of about €38 billion) to deal with emergencies.».
Finally, he said that based on the latest data, GDP will grow this year by 5.3% (from 3.1% of the budget forecast) against 3.1% of the European average, while in 2023 the economy will grow by 2.1% against 0.9% of the European average.
