Abolition of ‘lethal tax’ is the quickest way to put money back into people’s pockets, say Wexford councillors

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Independent councillors from Co Wexford have called for the abolition of a tax which “disproportionately” targets lower-paid workers and young people starting their careers. Introduced in 2011 during the financial crisis, the Universal Social Charge (USC) applies to all those with a gross yearly income of €13,000 or more with rates ranging from 2-11 pc.

At the monthly meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC) Councillors Mary Farrell, Leonard Kelly, and Michael Sheehan, submitted a motion calling for the USC to be abolished in this year’s budget.

“In recognition of the cost-of-living crisis and that workers are suffering the most and rewarded the least in our economy, and while being overtaxed and not getting any assistance from the government, this council calls for the unwinding and abolition of the Universal Social Charge in Budget 2027,” read a motion which was subsequently carried and will now be forwarded to all local authorities in the country.

Expanding upon the motion, Cllr Sheehan said the “most effective way of giving something back is to get rid of something”.

“Tthe USC is a lethal tax which should have been abolished a long time ago,” he continued. “It targets lower-paid workers disproportionately, in particular young people starting their careers. All the packages that are being announced, none of them are helping the workers, and they are the ones paying the taxes to fund the different benefits being made available.

“The abolition of the USC is the quickest and most effective way to put money back into people’s pockets. “