Household Charge Grossly Unfair – O’Brien
Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has hit out at the government’s decision to approve a new Household Charge of €100 as a precursor to water charges and a property tax.
Speaking last night after the cabinet approved the charge Deputy O’Brien said:
“The government has today imposed another tax on pensioners, social welfare recipients, and people in mortgage arrears – none of whom will be exempt from the tax and many of whom will not be able to pay.”
“The new charge will also drive up rents, as landlords pass it on to their tenants, making it harder for tens of thousands of people in rented accommodation to make ends meet.”
“The flat rate nature of this charge is grossly unfair. Every household, no matter what their income, will pay €100. An elderly person struggling to get by on the state pension will pay the same as a multi-millionaire.”
“The government is describing this tax as an interim measure while preparations are being made to introduce water charges and a property tax. Engineers Ireland have estimated that water meters will cost up to three times the government’s estimate of €500 million. If water meters are introduced it will take many, many years to recover the cost of their installation and even longer to generate real savings.”
“Instead of spending this money on installing meters the government should increase investment in water distribution and in fixing the existing pipe network, where up to 50% of water is wasted. This has the potential to save much more water than metering and would pay for itself in a short time frame.”
“Cork Sinn Féin will be actively campaigning against the household charge in the months ahead.”
For further information contact Deputy Jonathan O’Brien at 086-0274142
Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has hit out at the government’s decision to approve a new Household Charge of €100 as a precursor to water charges and a property tax.
Speaking last night after the cabinet approved the charge Deputy O’Brien said:
“The government has today imposed another tax on pensioners, social welfare recipients, and people in mortgage arrears – none of whom will be exempt from the tax and many of whom will not be able to pay.”
“The new charge will also drive up rents, as landlords pass it on to their tenants, making it harder for tens of thousands of people in rented accommodation to make ends meet.”
“The flat rate nature of this charge is grossly unfair. Every household, no matter what their income, will pay €100. An elderly person struggling to get by on the state pension will pay the same as a multi-millionaire.”
“The government is describing this tax as an interim measure while preparations are being made to introduce water charges and a property tax. Engineers Ireland have estimated that water meters will cost up to three times the government’s estimate of €500 million. If water meters are introduced it will take many, many years to recover the cost of their installation and even longer to generate real savings.”
“Instead of spending this money on installing meters the government should increase investment in water distribution and in fixing the existing pipe network, where up to 50% of water is wasted. This has the potential to save much more water than metering and would pay for itself in a short time frame.”
“Cork Sinn Féin will be actively campaigning against the household charge in the months ahead.”
For further information contact Deputy Jonathan O’Brien at 086-0274142
No comments:
Post a Comment