The Government has been told there are “alarm bells ringing” in the border region because of differences in the VAT rates north and south.
Senator Robbie Gallagher told the Seanad today that changes announced by the British Government yesterday mean the VAT rate has been cut for the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland.
He said local businesses are paying 13.5 per cent VAT and they’re being asked “to compete” with those in the north who are paying five per cent.
He’s called for the Government’s July stimulus plan, which is to be announced shortly, to address the difference.
Senator Gallagher says something needs to be done: