Italian families can expect to spend over 1,000 euros more next year for food, utilities and fuel, according to the consumer rights group Codacons.
Unless the government steps in, the group observed, ''many families will find themselves on the verge of bankruptcy because they will have to spend some 1,075 euros for these basic needs''.
Codacons calculated the figure by adding a 400-euro increase for food and beverages, 160 euros more for vehicle fuel and 160 euros for heating fuels.
Local and national transportation costs will cost Italian families an additional 120 euros in 2008, while hikes are also expected for water and refuse services, local real estate tax and personal income tax.
According to Codacons, Italian families next year will be spending 45 euros for their electricity bill, while bank services will cost an additional 35 euros and families with adjustable mortgage rates can expect to pay an average of 240 euros more.
The consumer group calculated that an average Italian family in 2008 will spend 32 euros more for gas, 30 euros for car insurance and 28 euros for motorway tolls, while fees for motor vehicle inspection and TV viewing will take an additional 35 euros out of the family budget.
''Given all these additional costs, it is clear that the government must intervene to help families balance their budgets,'' observed Codacons chief Carlo Rienzi.
''Without adequate measures to reduce these costs as well as those for other goods and services, thousands of families risk bankruptcy in the coming year,'' he added.
