Madam, – I was interested to read the article by Stephen Collins with regard to a property tax (Front page, July 9th). I know of no good reason, apart from the populist one, why a flat rate tax should not be imposed while a more equitable one is devised, which no doubt would take time.
The same applies with water charges. With the construction industry in the doldrums and huge unemployment in the sector, it’s nonsense to claim it would take years to install water meters. In the meantime, a flat rate charge could be levied. Apart from raising funds and improving quality, water supply will be a big issue of this century. With the population forecast to double by mid-century, conservation is a no-brainer. Not a day passes without some vested interest out shouting “no cuts here”. I’ve yet to see one placard screaming “increase taxation”.
Mr Collins did well to mention the great unmentionable, 50 per cent of the workforce who pay not one cent of income tax or PRSI. Anyone who believes you can have a modern economy with good public and social services while 50 per cent of the workforce is outside the tax net is living in cloud-cuckoo land.
My suggestion would be a social levy to include the present one and PRSI, health charges etc. It should not have a ceiling or floor and would ensure everyone paid a fair share. – Yours, etc,