Rating the politicians
That's a sizeable piece of real estate, the big house on Stormont hill. I bet you're glad you don't have to pay the rates bill for it. Ah yes, but Stormont is owned by the state so it isn't liable to the new Northern Ireland rates assessment. So that's all right, then. But the rest of us are; and as I chaired a rates rant special on the radio this morning it became clear that the introduction of the new system has raised the public's ire. In fact, it seems that more people are concerned about the controversial new rates system than about the lack of a Northern Ireland Executive.
All five local political parties were represented in the hour-long special -- with the SDLP, UUP and Alliance providing their party leaders. We just about managed to avoid rehearsing the arguments for and against the restoration of devolved government at Stormont, and focused on the apparent failings of the new system. Many callers prefered a local income tax system, instead of government's new capital valuation approach; and many were angry that direct rule ministers are introducing a property tax system here that would spell electoral doom if they introduced it in England, Scotland or Wales. We are being treated like fiscal guinea pigs, one said.
Nevertheless, it was the now-suspended Northern Ireland Executive that originally proposed the new valuation system, a system that has been championed by Sinn Fein and the SDLP. That's true; but they also proposed capping and relief measures to avoid the kinds of hikes we are now reporting on a daily basis, where, for example, some pensioners on fixed incomes are being asked to pay double or even triple their current rates bill.
Sir Reg Empy, the Ulster Unionist leader, proposed that the party leaders should come together and campaign to have changes introduced to the system even in the absence of any agreement or progress on the restoration of local rule at Stormont. That sounded like a gauntlet being thrown down. Let's see if anyone picks it up.
Comments
I have very little sympathy for people whinging about rates or other taxes when many of them hold political philosophies which lie to the left or centre. When government is in control of the economy this is the sort of thing that happens. Laughably, socialists are among those who protest such measures. But, their own philosophy would sting many of us much much more.
SG
Will I thought the really telling part of your programme today was when you pressed politicians about what this property tax was for! Reg Empy said it's just a way of raising more money for local government. Then, I suppose, local councils can waste the money providing candle-lit dinners for Sean Kelly and other terrorists. I think councils need to be much more accountable for what they do with my money. I am happy to may my contribution when the money is well spent.
I'm a socialist (as you well know
!) but I think it's perfectly reasonable to protest these measures. What many socialists want is more money from those who can afford to pay more and less hitting of the poor who can't.
Pete.
Pete, how would I know that you are a socialist? I'm not a socialist, but I don't think I'd need to be a socialist to agree that those on high incomes should dig deeper into their pockets to help provide for the more vulnerable members of our society. That's just basic Christianity. A decent society takes care of the weakest members of society and that will cost those of us who can pay some money in tax and other contributions. I don't mind paying a fair tax to protect the elderly and the impoverished and to provide a decent health and education system, and to pay for defence and other departments of government. I just don't want to be asked to pay three times my last rates bill and watch the money squandered by local councillors.
Are you really a socialist? I thought they'd all converted to new labour!
Pete- I wouldn't think socialists should have a problem with government raising more money from the people; it's less money in the hands of private individuals and more in the kitty for collectivist purposes, right?
Northern Ireland is the Internal Affairs of Northern Ireland.
I rate the Republicans and Democrats 150 Year Old Monopoly on USA Power as a big disaster. I hope one day for a Libertarian and Green Government in America [by Peacful Means].
Roberto: I hope one day for a libertarian government in every single country of the world. Unfortunately this will never happen because too many human beings simply will not renounce their claims on the lives of other people.
SG
Stephen G: Regardless, it should start with one person [the concept of Libertarianism.]
Annie McC- I'm sure you realise that there is a difference between having one's money taken to help the weakest members of society, and spending one's own money on helping the weakest members of society.
Your taxes are not charity - they're theft. If you're not convinced of that, try not paying them and let us know what happens.
What about this site?
What about this site?