‘They are also proposing to introduce a licensing tax for people who have septic tanks’
COUNTY Limerick TD Niall Collins is seeking clarity on the proposed household utility charge and has accused Fine Gael of introducing dishonest backdoor taxes in its first 100 days in government.
“Part of the four year recovery plan was to introduce a water metering programme in every home – instead the new government has decided on a flat rate Household Utility Charge which flies in the face of what Fine Gael told the people – it will be the first of a whole host of backdoor taxes”.
The local TD argues that Fine Gael deceived voters during the general election campaign.
“This debate is only beginning and they are being completely dishonest with the people. They said in their election campaign there would be no more taxes, but there are a whole load more backdoor taxes and they are also proposing to introduce a licensing tax for people who have septic tanks”.
Concerned about the manner in which the charge is being introduced he says the reason that a property tax has not been introduced is that it would have to levied on an equitable basis.
“It’s very difficult to levy it across the board for people in totally different circumstances, unemployed people and people with negative equity.
“A lot of questions still need to be answered. How much will it be? How will it be levied? Who will pay it? Will there be exemptions for pensioners, the unemployed and those who cannot afford to pay? Will there be a waiver scheme? Could the Minister provide detail on the scheme, primarily, how much it will cost?”
In a Dáil debate on the matter last week, Deputy Collins called on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan to provide clarity on the proposal:
“I would like him to elaborate on the new flat rate tax he has proposed because it has slipped in under the radar – there is scant detail on the scheme and we want clarity as there is confusion, and there has been a muddying of the waters on a site property tax, the introduction of water charges and the new charge”.
Speaking in the Dail Minister Hogan said he will bring proposals to the Government in the near future on the legislative and administrative requirements necessary to implement the charge.
“It is my intention that the revenues from the charge will support the provision of locally based services and, in turn, reduce local government’s requirement for Exchequer support for the funding of such services”.
The Minister also said that Fianna Fail had negotiated with the EU/IMF to introduce a household charge while in government.
