Ritchie urges Secretary of State to ‘make up mind’ on corporation tax | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Ritchie urges Secretary of State to ‘make up mind’ on corporation tax

SDLP MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie has called on corporation tax to finally be devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Ritchie was speaking following a question she put to the Secretary of State Theresa Villiers during Northern Ireland Question Time in the House of Commons this week.

Ritchie stated, “The outstanding issues around corporation tax must be resolved as soon as possible. The Secretary of State has today assured me that real progress has been made on this issue and I look forward to seeing this leading to economic growth in the North of Ireland.

“I welcome the comments of Ms. Villiers who has indicated that corporation tax, if devolved, must be done in a way which wouldn’t impose unnecessary administrative burdens on business.

She continued, “Last Thursday the working group on corporation tax concluded their deliberations which will be submitted to the Prime Minister and I hope he can come to a speedy decision on the matter.

“I am mindful that any cost to the Northern Ireland Block grant from devolving corporation tax must be reasonable and proportionate if our economy is to prosper. The lowering of corporation tax offers the real potential to re-balance our economy, grow our private sector in particular and secure inward investment.

Ritchie added, “There is also the prospect of increased job opportunities for our young people who have recently been compelled to leave our shores for work abroad. We want to see action on this now, not more vague commitments.

“I would remind the Secretary of State that enough time has been spent on this issue and that there is the political will and determination to have corporation tax devolved and grow the Northern Ireland Economy.”

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=24251

Posted by on Oct 25 2012. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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