Reduction of tax concessions should not be to the detriment of the average person, Smith Jr. tells minister of finance

During his inaugural presentation as the Member of Parliament for All Saints West, Anthony Smith, Jr. denounced the Browne Administration’s plans to reduce concessions.

Speaking last Friday, March 10, during the Budget Debate, Smith said the Administration’s belt-tightening measures will affect the most vulnerable individuals in the society.

Given the financial hardships that many faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and following a festive general-election season, Smith says, many people had high hopes for the offerings in the budget.

However, the All Saints West MP says there was nothing for the average person to be enthusiastic about.

While he acknowledges that financial prudence must be exercised in areas such as the Government’s high rent bill, Smith stresses that the implemented measures should not be to the detriment of the average person.

Smith further challenges the minister of finance, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, on the part of the budget that speaks to business concessions starting at one million dollars ($1m).

He notes that the average resident of this country does not have that sum of money.