Chambers: Keep on austerity path

Outsourcing back-to-work initiatives, cutting capital gains tax for entrepreneurs and reducing the level of council rates in town centres are just some of the initiatives contained in the Chambers Ireland pre-budget submission.

However, despite an admission that consumer demand remains extremely depressed, Chambers Ireland is not calling for an end to austerity.

In a preface to its pre-budget submission the group, the umbrella body for all the chambers of commerce, said: “While some have been calling for an end to austerity we believe that Government has little choice but to maintain its focus on restoring balance to the exchequer finances, while creating confidence and taking measures that support activity levels wherever possible.”