Tax on Agricultural Land in Northern Ireland Not On, says UUP
Tom Elliot, UUP agriculture spokesman has responded to the Department of Finance’s revelation that they are considering the imposition of a tax on agricultural land in Northern Ireland. The proposals came to light following SDLP member Declan O’Loan receiving a response to a written question he had submitted to the Department on the issue.
Mr Elliott commented,
“Such proposals must be stopped in their tracks immediately. Farming is already taxed enough as it is and in days when farmers already see very little return for their outgoings, an additional rates tax on the farming community could have catastrophic effects.
“The tax would also not be practical to administer, and would cause difficulties for all involved. Such a tax is not found elsewhere in the UK and Northern Ireland should be no different. If more money is needed for the Government of Northern Ireland, it should be found elsewhere, the farming community should not be used as an easy target.”