Majority dissatisfied with how taxes are spent

Householders are not satisfied with the level of Government spending but would be unwilling to see taxes increase, a survey published…

Householders are not satisfied with the level of Government spending but would be unwilling to see taxes increase, a survey published today shows.

The study, carried out by the Irish Mortgage Corporation, found that 96 per cent of homeowners are not satisfied with the way their taxes are spent. Five hundred recent housebuyers took part in the survey.

People are particularly dissatisfied with health and education services, with 87 per cent unhappy with the level of funding in health and 78 per cent concerned about primary and secondary school funding.

Almost two-thirds of respondents also believe that spending on law and order is insufficient.

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However, homeowners do not want to see an increase in personal taxes to cover any increased investment in the services, with almost four out of five people questioned rejecting the idea.

They also dismissed the idea of property tax. House owners currently pay Vat and stamp duty to the Government when they purchase property.

Even an increase in business taxes is not the solution, with 49 per cent in favour of raising current levels, and 43 per cent opposing the idea.

The Government might find support for privatising some services, with 71 per cent supporting the idea, and a further 86 per cent in favour of private investment in public services.

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist