Survey shows majority against property and water charges

The Cabinet is to meet later to further discuss details of December's Budget.

The Government plans to take measures totaling €6bn in savings in 2011, as it brings the deficit in line with EU targets by 2014.

As the Cabinet holds its meeting, Fine Gael will publish its 'Reinventing Government' policy, which includes proposals such as dismantling the HSE, car pooling for Government Ministers and pay restraints for senior public servants.

But new surveys today show the electorate would prefer a rise in direct tax - income tax rather than indirect taxes such as property or water charges.

A Red C/Sunday Times Poll finds 75% opposed to a property tax, while two thirds are against water charges.

It comes ahead of the publication on Thursday of an ESRI report on what is described as a 'fair' property tax.

And The Sunday Business Post reports the property tax proposal would see an average charge per household of €950 along with an income exemption limit for those in the lowest income bracket.