A proposal is going to Government that, if applied, would see the abolition of the Property Tax for people over 70.
The proposal came from Independent Councillor Aisling Moran, who specified that the exemptions would only apply to people’s primary residence and not secondary homes or holiday homes.
Cllr Moran asked that Laois County Council contact Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O”Brien TD, and Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD, to take action on the matter.
“We’re all well aware of the cost of living crisis affecting families at the moment,” Cllr Moran said.
“Our home heating costs are outrageous – the highest in Europe – and a huge burden as we head into a stormy winter.
“Inflation may have slowed, but prices have not come dow. Everything seems to be one third more expensive than it was.
“The average shopping basket and the cost of a tank of petrol and diesel have all sky-rocketed.
“There are concerning accounts of people having to choose between eating and heating; this is just not on.
“The Government coughers are overflowing, the tax take was never higher, and yet ordinary families are left anxious, hard-pressed and feeling the pinch.
“It is against this backdrop and in this context that I am calling for property tax relief for those over the age of 70 on their primary place of residence.
“It is the least we can do to show regard and respect for our senior citizens who have paid their dues, worked hard and paid their taxes all their lives.
“A little bit of payback, particularly in the current climate, would be a great help and be greatly appreciated.
“The Government is fush and can certainly afford this.”
The motion comes less than a month after Laois County Council agreed to increase the current Property Tax rates by 5%.
The proposal was endorsed by Labour Councillor Marie Tuohy, who said taking away the property tax would be a huge relief to those over the age of 70.
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