A Progressive Alternative to the Universal Social Charge

Our partners SIPTU have launched a proposal for “A Progressive Alternative to the Universal Social Charge” (USC).

They are calling for a new Social Solidarity Contribution, which would retain all the progressive elements of the existing USC charge as a highly effective and efficient mechanism for raising much-needed revenue from the wealthy and those on top incomes in Irish society, should be introduced.

The revenue generated from this Social Solidarity Contribution, which should at least equal the approximately current €4 billion USC yield, would no longer go into central exchequer funds.

Instead, it would be dedicated exclusively to social investment purposes, such as improving healthcare, education and training, childcare and eldercare as well as providing for the housing needs of all the population etc.

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