My submission to SDCC Re The Local Property Tax

I wish to enter a submission to Lower the property tax and eventually scrap this additional tax. I believe the people have been lied to in regards to this unfair and unjust tax. Not one cent has gone to local Government since its introduction. On the Household Charge website (https://www.householdcharge.ie/) it says under frequently asked questions: What will the Household Charge finance? Revenues from the Household Charge will support the provision of local services. Internationally, local services are administered by local authorities and financed by local service charges. In Ireland, local authorities are responsible for, among other services, public parks; libraries; open spaces and leisure amenities; planning and development; fire and emergency services; maintenance and cleaning of streets and street lighting. These facilities benefit everyone.

Yes these Facilities benefit everyone but the truth is this Unfair and Unjust tax has not gone to Local Government. The people I represent are struggling to pay mortgages , bills , education , transport costs etc. . Many are having difficulty keeping a roof over their head and food on the table, never mind being forced to pay a Property tax and the upcoming water charges. I know through my voluntary work with St Vincent De Paul how much families are struggling. Local services are not the Bank Bailout. As an Irish Citizen I like many others paid a lot of stamp duty when I bought my house. It is most unfair and unjust to expect me and my constituents to doubly pay for our homes. Many endure long periods of paying their mortgage and varying interest rates in order to own a home.

I am totally opposed to the Property Tax on many levels but the least the council can do is reduce it in order to help struggling families.

Cllr Francis Timmons
Clondalkin Area Independent