Local Government Bill Must Produce Savings without Increasing Costs to Business
Limerick Chamber has welcomed the publication of the Local Government Bill and Local Government (Town Centre) Bill.
Maria Kelly Limerick Chamber Chief Executive, said, “Over the years Limerick Chamber has consistently called for the reform of Local Government; we were one of the few organisations that supported the amalgamation of Limerick’s local authorities. We welcome this Bill as it cements the future direction of our new Authority as it leads the way nationally in delivering a more efficient, coherent, effective and transparent model of local government.”
However, the Chamber has warned that there must be no resulting increase in costs to business.
“There is a real need for a more equitable model of Local Government funding. For too many years it has been the business community that has shouldered the responsibility for funding local services through the commercial and water rates system and this is having a knock on impact on job creation. A major component of this Bill is that 80 per cent of revenues raised from the property tax will be ring-fenced for local authorities, this money must be used to ease the burden on businesses rather than add to it”.
Commenting on the publication of the Local Government (Town Centres) Bill 2013, which sets out the role of the local authority in the creation of ‘town revitalisation teams’, Ms Kelly said, “This bill is focused on the promotion of start-up businesses in vacant premises, the examination of parking charges, the creation of cultural initiatives that encourage increased social activity as well as the establishment of ‘safe town streets’ initiative. Limerick once again has first mover advantage in this regard with the LCBA@theChamber already effectively delivering this model through our partnership with Retail Excellence Ireland, the Local Authority and Garda Siochána”.
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