Exemption on 'regressive' HGV levy for the North needed - Carthy

A proposed levy on HGVs crossing the border which is soon to be imposed by the British government will undermine cross border trading accroding to a local Sinn Féin councillor.
The proposed levy, soon to be imposed by the British government, would see HGVs crossing the border from this April liable to pay up to £10 a day.
Sinn Féin candidate for the EU Midlands Northwest constituency, Matt Carthy, said it is the latest example of the need for the transfer of fiscal powers to the North.
Matt Carthy highlighted the detrimental impact that such a charge would have on border economies:
“The imposition of this levy would have a detrimental effect on the expanding island-wide trade which currently generates £2.3 billion for this island and could dissuade investment in northern operations by southern based parent companies. This would have a particularly negative impact on the agri-food sector - our fastest growing sector north and south.'
He said that Sinn Féin has campaigned for the North to be exempt from this 'regressive charge'. Conor Murphy MP travelled to London to lobby politicians and the British Secretary of State Theresa Villers for an exemption, while Pearse Doherty TD was also part of a delegation which met with Transport Minister Leo Varadker on the issue.
“I am reiterating my call on the British government to amend the legislation to exempt the north from this regressive charge,' said Carthy. 'The Irish government must also ensure that they challenge their British counterparts to stop this charge which has the potential to severely affect the future viability of small and medium businesses especially along the already struggling border region.
“It is time to focus on building, not splitting the island economy. A single island economy for all citizens across Ireland would provide the opportunity for fair and harmonised progression taxation, regulation and trade. It would provide the tools to create greater opportunities for growth, harmonise workers’ rights and create a better business climate for advancement of entrepreneurial spirit north and south.”