Council tenants can’t bare cost of Home Tax – Ellis

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has called on the government to support his party’s amendment to exclude local authority housing from property liable to pay the Home Tax. He made his comments following reports that tenants could see a rise in council rents as a result.

Deputy Ellis said:

“Sinn Féin are opposed to this unfair tax on family homes but we are particularly concerned by the foolish move to levy the tax on social housing.

“Council tenants are not in any position to pay higher rents. The vast majority are scraping to survive these very hard times. Many have already been cut numerous times.

“This tax is supposed to be about funding local services but in fact it will cost Local Authorities large sums and take up resources determining the value of around 125,000 properties across the state.

“The government must accept this point and amend their bill accordingly. Otherwise the family home tax will be an even greater mess than envisaged.”

ENDS