The new year is almost upon us and, after a year of price rises, tax hikes and new charges, 2013 is due to start with another barrage of increases. Electricity goes up by 3%, commuter and middle distance train fares up by an average 3%, postage up by 2.7%, intercity bus tickets up by 6% and Telefonica can now increase monthly fees.
With wages stagnant, at best, consumer spending is hardly likely to improve in 2013, and no doubt prices will continue to rise and new taxes will be introduced or existing taxes, such as IVA, increased even further, despite current fervent denials.