‘Need for transfer of fisical powers’ – Murphy
Newry & Armagh MP Conor Murphy has expressed his disappointment at the British Governments continued ‘outright rejection’ to reduce VAT for the tourism and hospitality sector and he has stated that it highlights there is a need for the transfer of Fisical powers to the Assembly.
Sinn Fein MP Conor Murphy
“Myself, Michelle Gildernew, Paul Maskey, Pat Doherty and Francie Molloy recently raised the issue again with the Treasurey in London,” he stated.
“It is disappointing to note that the response has been a very clear statement from them stating that there is no intention to introduce a VAT cut for the sector. A reduction in VAT on products and services in the tourism and hospitality sector is needed to harmonise rates across Ireland,” he insisted.
“There is growing evidence that reducing the rate of VAT on products and services in the tourism and hospitality sectors has a positive impact on the wider economy. Harmonising the rate across Ireland to the lower level of 9% makes sense.
“It is something that should be introduced as a matter of urgency to invigorate the tourism sector by making it more affordable. The benefits of such a policy are obvious but once more, as with Corporation Tax and Air Passenger Duty (APD) it is not within the Assembly’s responsibility.
“This is another example of why we need to demand transfer of the full suite of fiscal powers to the Executive. Being able to set Corporation Tax and VAT rates and remove the APD would stimulate growth in the manufacturing and tourist sectors and create additional employment and business start-ups.
“A lower VAT rate would be beneficial in attracting visitors from other parts of the world. It would also encourage more local people to visit attractions closer to home and make the most of the excellent hospitality and tourism offering that we have.
The Newry & Armagh said that Sinn Féin would seek the transfer of full fisical powers to the Assembly “During the debate ahead of the Scottish Referendum there was a focus on the prospect of additional financial powers for Scotland, particularly fiscal powers.
“It is now up to the Westminster parties to fulfil the commitments made to the Scottish people. Sinn Féin will also be seeking the transfer of full fiscal powers to the Assembly. We have already delivered additional powers with the transfer of policing and justice and this has been successful.
Murphy added, “The next logical step is the transfer of fiscal powers. Sinn Féin is committed to seeing full fiscal powers in the hands of locally elected and accountable elected representatives who will make decisions for the benefit of communities.”
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Posted by Newry Times News
on Oct 3 2014. Filed under Politics.
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Conor,
To transfer full fiscal responsibility to Stormont at this moment is surely irresponsible given that there is a reluctance to make hard fiscal decisions presently. Also what is the SF economic policy for the NI Economy and the taxation structures post any transfer? if all of your colleagues sound bites are put together and some sort of analysis is applied the outcome is scary!! its effectively more spending and spend more on various areas of society but there is no coherent strategy on revenue/ tax generation. Is it tax the high earners only? if that is the case then SF should look to international examples where over taxation of certain workers leads to an exodus of business and loss of jobs. I would suggest that to implement the SF economic policy will lead to income tax levels up to 70% in order to sustain such requested spending.