Ultra regressive Household tax must be reversed – Barron

New Ross Sinn Féin has said that the €100 Household Charge is an ultra regressive tax which must be reversed immediately before it can inflict further deprivation on the most hard-pressed of Irish families. Spokesperson Ger Barron said that Sinn Féin were fully opposed to the charge and leading the opposition to it in the Dail and in councils around the country despite not calling for a campaign of non payment.

Mr Barron said;
“A progressive tax regime links tax levels to ability to pay. The Household charge doesn’t do this. In fact it completely disregards the ability to pay. Sinn Féin fully opposes this unfair tax and though we are not jumping on the ‘Don’t Pay’ bandwagon, we will certainly support anyone who decides not to pay the charge. Sinn Féin will lead the fight to have this charge reversed in the Dail and in local councils across Ireland.”

“There are hundreds of thousands of families, some entirely dependent on social welfare, who own their homes and are living in poverty but won’t qualify for a waiver from this tax. Many old aged pensioners will not qualify for the waiver. The government would lead us to believe that the conditions of this tax are completely equitable. In truth everything about the Household Charge is entirely unfair. How can a flat rate tax on every household, which will see the owners of a two bedroom semi paying the same as the owner of a mansion, be fair?”

“Sinn Féin respects and stands by the decision of those who cannot pay or choose not to pay the charge but we are not calling for non-payment. At a time when Irish families are already struggling, it would be reckless and morally wrong for us to call for a campaign of non payment which could leave thousands with legal bills that they may not be able to pay. We would urge people to be fully aware of possible consequences before taking any action which could leave them with further bills to pay.”

“Sinn Féin has been consistent in its opposition to the Household Charge and in the coming weeks and months we will be holding public meetings across the county to inform and organise an effective grassroots campaign. Our elected reps will be bringing motions before their councils calling for a reversal of the tax and we will continue to picket the offices of government TDs in the county.”