Sir, – Today’s article (Stephen Collins, Front page, December 21st) on the likely scale of a property tax will be an eye-opener for Joe Higgins and the other TDs who are engaged in some populist political posturing over the €100 household charge. You’d think the “socialists” would be jumping with delight about a progressive property tax, but I’ve just listened to him on RTÉ and it’s doomsday for both of them.
I can’t understand why Mr Higgins has never protested at the unfairness of some other “flat” taxes, such as the following. The TV licence fee is a €160 annual flat tax on every household, regardless of house size or income, or the number of TVs owned (Joe Duffy and Pat Kenny please note!). Annual motor tax is based on engine size, no one is asked what their income is; indeed, the changes in 2008 make it cheaper for those better-off motorists who can afford newer cars.
We need our politicians, media commentators and lobby groups to behave responsibly and stop the populist posturing. The general public recognises the gravity of our financial situation, national and individual, and realises that we can’t always get someone else to pay. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – The problem with the €100 charge on households and the determination of certain TDs to resist it reminds me that in 1906 the government of the British colony of Natal brought in a “hut tax” in Zululand. This was bitterly opposed by the Zulu people and led to an armed rebellion, led by Chief Bhambatha Zondi, that was only put down with great loss of life.
I doubt that that will happen in Ireland. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – To be fair to your Editorial (“Grandstanding on property tax”, ’December 19th), it is consistent with much of the right-wing press comment.
Might it dawn on the writer that the “grandstanding” was done before the election when Fine Gael attacked this measure while canvassing for people’s votes? To quote – “. . .[the] flat rate charge means that houses in standard neighbourhoods worth a fraction of some mansions will pay the same rate of tax. It will be difficult to pay for asset-rich but income poor households, particularly the elderly and the unemployed; and it will be deeply unfair for a young generation that paid exorbitant amounts of stamp duty and VAT on the purchases on over-valued houses, many of whom now find themselves in negative equity.”
I don’t have a problem with paying tax but it should be based on the principle of “ability to pay”, which is why the fairest tax is direct taxation. If the Government of this country ever has a mind to tackle the serious levels of inequality in our society, it will follow the European example and increase income tax.
In relation to a household tax and water charges, I will certainly agree to same when they are applied with fairness and when we actually reform our defunct local government to a point where it serves the needs of the people as it does in many parts of Europe.
People do not mind paying local charges if they see a return on their investment. The latest budget does not factor in the “ability to pay” concept. The further increases in indirect taxation hit the less well off the most and new local taxes like the household charge are not designed to give people a return on their investment but rather to pay off the debts imposed on us by our masters in Europe who thought it was a good idea that every citizen should have to pay for the problems of our useless banks.
The European “austerity” medicine is not economically sensible and it is not fair – the decision to pay or not to pay the household charge gives the people an opportunity for the first time to have their voice heard and I would encourage them not to pay if they feel it is unfair.
I am an Independent TD for Wexford and for your writer to suggest I’m using this campaign to help towards my re-election is nonsense. My life isn’t so sad that I’m going to spend the next five years campaigning for the next election – I campaigned for 16 days for the last one in February and I thought it was a bit long. If I’m mad enough to stand again I’ll try and keep it shorter next time. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I was wondering if the TDs who have a problem paying household charges also have a problem paying house insurance. My house insurance is costing me a lot more money than the Government’s new charges, and I was wondering if the TDs could be of any help with this bigger and more pressing issue? Mairin de Burca (December 17th) may well be correct in believing that the TDs are majoring on the minor issues. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – How would it be if the proposed household charge were to be increased by €10, or whatever is necessary, so that the extra revenue could then be used for the registration and inspection of septic tanks – at virtually no charge to individual owner?
At least everyone, with the exception of those in Co Cavan, would be able to contribute to “rural sewerage schemes” as we with septic tanks, etc, have been paying in our taxes for urban and city sewerage systems, from which we have received no benefit. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I would like to take issue with your statement that “Nobody likes to pay taxes” (“Grandstanding on Property Tax”, December 19th).
I like to pay my taxes. I think taxes are a good idea. I am happy with the idea that my taxes are spent on the education of our children, on the care of our elderly and infirm and on generally protecting the most vulnerable among us, particularly people with disabilities.
It’s just a pity that it does not seem as though these values are the ones our elected representatives seem to prioritise in successive budgets. May I commend Ruth Garvey-William (“A Society Without a Dream”, December 19th) on hitting the nail on the head here. As a society we have indeed lost our way and need to refocus our priorities on a more just and inclusive mission.
Gandhi said it best: “We must be the change we wish to see”. – Yours, etc,