SIPTU calls on Govt to suspend 'unfair' Household Charge

The National Executive Council of SIPTU has called on the Government to suspend the proposed Household Charge on the basis that it is "unfair and regressive".

Figures released earlier this week showed that less then 6% of all homeowners, liable for the charge, had actually registered to pay.

The deadline to sign up and pay the €100 tax is March 31, 2012.

SIPTU argues that, as currently formulated, the proposed Household Charge is playing into the hands of those wealthy interests that have successfully resisted the introduction of a fair property tax in the past.

The group said it supports the introduction of a property tax which is proportionate and which recognises that wealthy households can afford to pay more than those with modest earnings.