17/12/2007

Corporation Tax: No Cut

Members of the business community in Northern Ireland have been disappointed with the results of the government's Varney review into taxation.

Stormont ministers were also hoping to see a cut in corporation tax to promote investment.

However, as a cut to 12.5% would cost the government £300m annually to match the rate of corporation tax in the Republic of Ireland, it is not going to be approved.

Northern Ireland is disadvantaged in that the top rate is 30%, however this is being marginally reduced to 28% in April.

The Irish Republic's low corporation tax has been a key factor in its economic success. The parties have argued the tax cut would help them compete on a level playing field for foreign investment.

Another reason Varney didn't back the proposal was fears that if a special case is made for Northern Ireland it would draw companies away from other parts of the United Kingdom and lead the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan to expect similar cuts.

(GK/SP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
03 June 2011
Corporation Tax 'Con' Highlighted
The debate over a possible reduction in NI's rate of corporation tax to better match that of the Irish Republic is continuing with a NI House of Lords independent crossbencher saying the public is being "conned" by the pro-tax cut campaigners.
25 May 2011
NI Corporation Tax Amounts 'Unknown'
An Ulster Unionist politician has welcomed a new report on Corporation Tax from the Westminster Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. The influential committee has said there is a convincing case for lowering corporation tax in NI and said a reduction could boost the private sector and help innovation and exports.
24 October 2024
100 Days Left To File Your Self Assessment Tax Return
The clock is ticking for taxpayers who file Self Assessments. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding everyone that they have just 100 days left to submit their return and settle any tax owed before the January 31st deadline. For those who haven't started yet, HMRC offers a wealth of information and guidance on GOV.
23 January 2024
HMRC Issues Self Assessment 31 January Deadline Reminder
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has urged the 3.8 million people yet to file their Self Assessment tax return are urged to "act now or risk facing a £100 penalty". HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is expecting more than 12.1 million tax returns to be filed for the 2022 to 2023 tax year along with any payment that is owed. To date more than 8.