MLA supports Small Business case against the introduction of Water Charges
North Down Ulster Unionist MLA Leslie Cree together with representatives from each of the four main Parties met recently with the Amicus Trade Union, several other trade unions, Patricia McKeown from ICTU (Irish Congress of Trade Unions), Glyn Roberts from the Federation of Small Businesses and the General Consumer Council.
The aim of the meeting was to support a press launch against water charges and the negative effect it will have on all of society including the business world.
Whilst the concern about the Governments proposals and the effect it will have on Water Service staff is readily understood and must be resisted it is the general population and businesses that will be most affected by this further taxation.
In Northern Ireland 98% of all business can be described as small but they make a huge contribution in the provision of jobs and investment throughout the economy and every part of the community.
The Governments proposals are a double tap tax because business owners will have to pay both at their home and at their place of work.
Water charges will add to the problems of our already overtaxed and heavily burdened small businesses.
Mr Roberts from the Federation stated, “ Our members are paying the highest insurance, energy, transport and banking costs in the United Kingdom.”
The cost of running a business in Northern Ireland is the highest in the UK. In addition a recent survey carried out by the Federation discovered that 2 out of every 3 small business owners had been the victim of crime within the last two years.”
Mr Cree added, “ The Governments proposals for the introduction of water charges is a direct result of successive governments failing to invest in our water infrastructure. Consumers in Northern Ireland have always been paying for water through their regional rates.”
Government have succeeded in one sense in that for the first time they had managed to unite all of the political parties, trade unions, community groups and business organisations. They should listen when everyone is telling them that their proposals for water charges are unacceptable.”
The MLA concluded, “ Our direct rule ministers tell us that the private sector has to develop in Northern Ireland and reduce its dependence on the public sector. Therefore the Government must encourage the development of small businesses and remove many of the constraints with which small businesses are faced. Small business owners must make their voices heard and urge Government to scrap its proposals.”