Alan Lawther said: The report’s findings back up Alliance’s solution to the rates crisis. The report stated that any system must address the inability of large numbers of people on low incomes to pay for council tax. It suggests the use of a system which does not penalise people on low incomes. Our solution to the rates problem will be fairer for those on low incomes, as it is based on people’s ability to pay.
“Alliance has proposed a local income tax consistently for decades. A local income tax is directly related to the ability of a household to pay and is progressive and fairer. Council tax is criticised as regressive in this report and it takes a greater proportion of incomes from low and middle earners.
“Lets learn from England and lets not imposing a property tax with all the same problems that are seen there. A local income tax is a viable and real solution. In light of this report how can the Secretary of State, Peter Hain, claim that the proposals for N.Ireland are fair?”
ENDS