Alliance Party South Belfast Representative, Allan Leonard, has hit out
at proposals in the St Andrews Agreement package to put a cap on rates,
stating that a local income tax is the only fair option.
Allan
Leonard said: “A cap on rates is a blunt instrument. It will not
directly help older people and those on low incomes. It will mean that
everyone in expensive houses will pay the same amount, whether they
have very little income or are massive earners.
“The cap is an unhelpful device. Northern Ireland will still have to
contribute the same total amount of money through rates. This cap will
mean that those in cheaper houses might potentially have to pay more
that at present.
“The only fair thing to do would be to scrap rates and replace them
with a local income tax. People would be billed based on their ability
to pay. This is the Alliance way. This is the fair way forward for all.”
ENDS
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About Allan Leonard
Working for a cohesive Northern Ireland society
My special interest is Northern Ireland affairs, arriving from America at the time of the 1994 ceasefires.
Currently serve as Director, Northern Ireland Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation based in Belfast.
Previous posts include Policy Officer at the Northern Ireland Assembly, General Secretary of the Alliance Party, and Operations Manager at the Ulster Historical Foundation. Previously, I was responsible for the development and launch of the Troubled Images project at the Northern Ireland Political Collection, Linen Hall Library; this exhibit travelled worldwide.
My professional background includes marketing, communications, exhibition and event management, policy development, and senior management.
Received a MA degree in Irish Political Studies from University College Dublin, and a BA degree (with Distinction) in International Relations from Boston University.
Views expressed here may not represent those of current or previous employers or associations.
