Sinn Féin’s 2022 Budget proposals published Thursday, include a call for the Local Property Tax (LPT) to be phased out and the Help-to-Buy scheme to be scrapped in its alternative budget.
The party also wants to remove tax credits for people earning above €100,000 and for higher stamp duty on very expensive homes.
It says it would give all renters one month of rent relief, at a cost of €273m. The party’s document also calls for more taxes on investment funds and for the pension age to be reduced back to 65.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald TD said: “Sinn Féin’s Budget is about putting workers and families first.
“It is about targeting resources where they are most needed now.
“Our proposals show what can be done, what should be done and what would be done by a Sinn Féin government. It is a budget for change.
“It is about getting the basics right and ensuring that everyone has a secure roof over their head, that you can get access to medical treatment when you need it and that we get the cost of living under control.
- Sinn Féin priorities include
- Doubling capital investment to deliver 20,000 social and affordable homes a year and ending tax breaks for developers and vulture funds.
- Taking immediate action to reduce the cost of living by cutting rents, reducing the cost of childcare by two-thirds over two years and ensuring there is no increase in carbon taxes.
- Guaranteeing the right to retire on a pension at the age of 65.
- Tackling hospital waiting lists and reducing the cost of healthcare.
- Planning for Irish Unity through the establishment of a Citizens’ Assembly.
Mary Lou McDonald took time to also criticise the government’s spending thus far….
“We would also deliver the largest investment in mental health in the history of the State, significantly increase investment in disability supports and begin the work of introducing free public transport starting with under 18s.
“Next Tuesday’s Budget will be the sixth budget delivered by the Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael partnership and it shows.
“They are out of touch, out of ideas and out of time.
“Workers and families want a Budget and a government that will finally put them first.
