Progressive Democrats at the party's think-in in Dublin heard that the party wants to focus on the effects of stamp duty on homes, with a special emphasis on its effect on couples with children seeking to move home.
Among the solutions discussed by the think-in were the abolition of stamp duty for moving home, a reduction in stamp duty rates, banding stamp duty across the rates, and the option of allowing stamp duty to be paid over the lifetime of the mortgage.
'Stamp duty is an issue of huge concern for thousands of home owners and would-be home owners around the country. It is our belief that there is scope for a significant re-adjustment of the stamp duty situation as it pertains to homeowners,' commented PD leader Michael McDowell.
'We intend in our election manifesto, which will be published next year, to address this issue head on,'he added'.
Stamp duty on homes is increasingly important to the Exchequer: The Government has received €1.9 billion in stamp duties so far this year - an increase of 43% on the same time last year. This is expected to raise €3 billion for 2006.
Mr McDowell also told the PDs' think-in that reductions in tax for low to middle income earners is a priority for the party as it prepares for the next general election.
