With effect from May 1 2014 the solid fuel carbon tax is to be raised. This change will bring the tax up to a level that is equivalent to EUR20 (USD28) per tonne of CO2 emitted, in line with the tax payable in respect of other fossil fuels. This measure is likely to have an impact on people in low income groups who live in premises without central heating. There have therefore been calls to use the extra tax revenue raised to fund an increase in the winter fuel allowance.