Proposal to reduce Property Tax in Wexford blocked by FF, FG and Labour

A PROPOSAL by Sinn Féin to reduce the Local Property Tax by the maximum allowable 15% in Wexford County Council for 2016 was voted down by Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Labour and Independents.

Sinn Féin Councillor Johnny Mythen described the family home tax as a regressive measure that does not take into account the ability to pay:

"The concept of no alternative way or accepting the fait accompli is not the way politics should work," he said, adding "there are over 3,000 families in mortgage arrears in Wexford and to put an extra levy on these families is outrageous."

The Sinn Féin team also highlighted how Fianna Fáil candidates in last year's local elections had pledged to vote to reduce the LPT if elected, but had now reneged on their promise.

The proposal to reduce the LPT received the support of Sinn Féin's five councillors and the sole People Before Profit representative, but Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and Independents teamed-up to oppose the move.