Council members propose gradual elimination of USC

There has been a unanimous call for a gradual elimination of the Universal Social Charge (USC) by members of Offaly County Council.

The issue was raised by Councillor Sean O'Brien at the monthly meeting of the local authority, the Independent elected representative had initially called on the Government to abolish the USC from January 1.

Addressing his fellow members and council executive, Cllr O'Brien said the USC was introduced in 2011 as a "crisis measure" for which there was now "no further need".

"The USC should be phased out, particularly for low to middle income earners who have been hit hardest by this taxation measure. Government public expenditure has increased massively in the intervening years with €5bn collected from USC payments since its introduction in 2011," Cllr O'Brien said.

The Independent councillor stated that workers could no longer afford to keep paying the USC, particularly with "day-to-day costs rising".

"It's now time for the Government to give a little back and give workers a break," Cllr O'Brien added.

Sinn Féin Cllr Aoife Masterson said it was a "long-standing party policy" to have the USC phased out.

"This is a regressive tax which is impacting middle income earners in particular. It was introduced as a temporary measure and a promise was made by the Government to examine its impact on workers, but this has yet to happen," Cllr Masterson said.

Stating that workers "were at their limit", Cllr Masterson said she supported the abolition of the USC on the first €45,000 of worker's income.

"This is one simple measure that will help those that continue to be hit the hardest in their wage packet," Cllr Masterson said.

Cllr Masterson said she fully supported her party's stance on the issue.

Following discussion, it was agreed by the members present that a proposal by Cllr O'Brien and seconded by Cllr Masterson be submitted to the Government requesting a "gradual elimination of the USC", rather than abolition from January 1.