Former government partners Labour have left out income tax cuts and a first time buyers grant in their alternative budget proposals, writes Juno McEnroe of the Irish Examiner.
The party’s decision to leave them out comes in lieu of investing more in childcare and public services.
Labour leader Brendan Howlin said proposed cuts to taxes, such as the USC, would barely cover the cost of a cup of coffee a week and money would be better spent improving access to services.
New fundraising initiatives proposed by Labour include a €112m sugar tax fund next year, a €150m bank levy, a 20c rise for cigarettes and a minimum effective rate of corporation tax.
Mr Howlin said his party’s budget plan was better for young people, those seeking work and young families.
Labour though has decided not to propose tax cuts in its alternative budget. The party says money for this will realistically not be available until 2019.
Tax cuts promised by the Government, such as lowering rates of USC, would “barely cover the cost of a cup of coffee,” said Mr Howlin.
Labour also said Fine Gael government proposals for a first time buyers grant wold only end up pushing up home prices and ultimately go into developer’s pockets. The party instead wants more investment in social housing.
