Inishowen braced for water tax
Pensioners ‘pushed to limit’ by latest tap charge
A spokesperson for the Inishowen elderly community says the new water tax will put intense pressure on many pensioners already struggling to heat their homes and put food on the table.
The government on Tuesday announced details of the controversial tap charge, which is expected to cost ‘average householders’ €240 per year, fixed until the end of 2016.
With the first bills due to arrive by post in January 2015 [backdated from October 2014], pensioners will have their annual charge reduced by €100 but must pay the difference.
Frances Browne, of the Buncrana-based Good Morning Service, says many local pensioners are already stretched to the limit, with less and less money in their pockets, and could now be pushed over the edge.
“There are elderly people here who have to choose between buying coal to heat their homes or food for their bellies. Coming on top of all the other stealth taxes, like rising prescription charges, the property tax and cuts to the telephone allowance, the water tax is a real worry for them,” she said.
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