Chambers Ireland: Alternative 10 Point Plan for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises:
Chambers Ireland has launched an An Alternative 10 Point Plan for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. This plan is a response to the 10 Point Tax Reform Plan for SMEs announced by the Government in Budget 2013. Following initial analysis of the 10 Point Plan, Chambers Ireland engaged with a number of subject matter specialists along and representatives from the Chamber Network including Cork Chamber. As a result the Chamber Network has developed an alternative plan which it believes can help businesses create transformative change and in turn stimulate job creation.
Key recommendations include:
1. Introduce a Reduced VAT Rate on Housing Repair, Maintenance and Improvements (RMI)
2. Enable Start-ups to Offset Corporation Tax against Other Taxes Due
3. Halve the level of Capital Gains Tax for Entrepreneurs to 16.5%
4. Introduce a Targeted Rates Reduction for Businesses in Town Centres
5. Introduce a Double Rent Deduction for Companies with Upward Only Rent Reviews
6. Apply an ‘Ireland Rate of Return’ in Tendering Decisions for Public Sector Contracts
7. Introduce an Additional Tax Incentive Policy to Encourage Private Sector Investment
8. Promote Ireland as the Best Possible Location for Nearshoring
9. Mandate all Government Research Funding Agencies to set aside 2.5% of their Budget for SMEs
10. Introduce Further Operational Initiatives to Promote Business Interests
To download a copy of the plan, click here.
Draft Metropolitan Cork Joint Retail Strategy:
A Draft Metropolitan Cork Joint Retail Strategy has been prepared to replace the existing Cork Strategic Retail Study. This strategy will form the basis on which Cork City and County Council formulate objectives/policies for retail development in their respective development plans and will be used in the determination of planning permission applications. The central objectives of the Joint Retail Strategy will be to identify:
- Broad requirements for additional retail floorspace development in the overall area to support the settlement hierarchy
- Retail floorspace requirements by constituent planning authorities
- Guidance on the location and function of retail activity and the relevant settlement hierarchy
The draft strategy contains a number of proposals relating to the city centre, vacant floorspace, convenient floor space and balancing retail and non-retail functions in an area.
For further information please visit http://www.corkchamber.ie/yourviews.cfm. A public consultation takes place between 12th April 2013 and 10th May 2013.
The Chamber is currently preparing a submission and welcomes input from its members. Should you be interested in providing comments or feedback for this submission, please contact Siobhan Bradley, Acting Policy & Research Manager (siobhan.bradley@corkchamber.ie) before Tuesday 30th April 2013 at 5pm.
