Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has strongly condemned the Government’s decision to press ahead with the revaluation of homes for the Local Property Tax (LPT), warning that it will result in steep increases for ordinary households across Wicklow at a time when people are already struggling to make ends meet.
Deputy Brady said:
“Over recent weeks, households across Wicklow have been receiving letters from Revenue informing them that their homes are being revalued for the purposes of the Local Property Tax. For many, this is another slap in the face, coming at a time when families are already at breaking point, dealing with a cost of living crisis, food costs, and the highest energy prices in Europe.”
“Property prices have risen by almost 35% since 2020, and that means people will now be hit with huge increases in their property tax bills. This comes at the pinnacle of a cost-of-living crisis, when workers, families, and pensioners can least afford another financial burden.”
“Let’s be clear, local authorities do not gain from this tax. When the Local Property Tax was introduced, the Local Government Fund was cut at the same time, meaning councils were left no better off. Roads are crumbling, local services are underfunded, and housing waiting lists continue to grow, so people are paying more and getting less.”
“At the same time, this Government handed out massive tax breaks to developers and wealthy speculators, while delivering nothing for ordinary people in a €9.4 billion budget. It’s a disgrace, and it shows clearly where Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Independents stand, always on the side of the few, never on the side of the many.”
“Now, on top of rising energy costs and increases to the carbon tax, the Government expects struggling households to shoulder even more. This is completely unfair and completely unnecessary.”
Deputy Brady continued:
“Sinn Féin is completely opposed to this tax. We have been clear and consistent, we will scrap this unfair and unjust tax on the family home. Ordinary people should not be punished simply for owning or living in a home.”
“There is a fairer way to fund local government and invest in public services. Sinn Féin is committed to taxing wealth, to ensure that those with the broadest shoulders pay their fair share. This approach would reduce the burden on ordinary workers and families while delivering the high-quality infrastructure and public services that are so badly needed right across the state.”
Deputy Brady concluded:
“The Government’s priorities are completely wrong. Sinn Féin will continue to stand with workers, families, and pensioners in Wicklow and across Ireland who are being punished by a broken and unjust system. We believe in a fairer way, one that protects households, invests in communities, and delivers real change for the people.” Ends