Household tax may hurt pensioners

An economist recently gave us a glimpse of what the household charge is going to lead to, a property tax with a real sting in the tail for all those on low incomes.

It is being planned to temporarily exempt those on low incomes, such as the State pension, but to put “a lien on the house” which will be deducted from the value of the house when the owner dies.

This effectively means that such elderly people who cannot afford the tax while living will have a sizeable portion of their legacy grabbed by the State.

This would deny parents with little means, but who made the effort to buy their home during their working lives, the opportunity to leave what little they have to their children, a wish and desire of all parents.

It is conceivable that the State in some cases could claim the entire house.

Could it be that we are being governed by people with such malign intent towards pensioners/elderly that they would come between them and their last wishes?

Jim O’Sullivan

Rathedmond

Sligo