‘Stealth tax’ on homes a return to domestic rates, claims FG

FINE GAEL yesterday accused the Government of bringing back domestic rates by imposing an average 10,000 stealth tax on new homes.

Fine Gael environment spokesman Bernard Allen said there was nothing stopping developers passing on huge development levies, ranging from 6,000 to 30,000, to homebuyers.

"We will be advising all our councillors nationwide to take a hard line on these levies when they are asked to vote on them, because this is the return of domestic rates by the back door," Mr Allen added.