Private Sector Commission wants government to reconsider restriction on old car importation

In what could be considered the PSC’s review of the budged, the body urged the administration to reconsider its proposal to restrict the importation of used vehicles older than eight years. The proposal formed part of the government’s 2016 budget measures and was announced on Friday last.

Private Sector Commission wants government to reconsider restriction on old car importation

The Private Sector Commission in a statement on Wednesday backed government’s announced increases in gun license fees and said it was fair and expected to boost revenue income.

But similar to other criticisms offered, the Commission said it was concerned about the impact of the increases on indigenous people who rely on shotguns for their livelihood.

The Private Sector Commission also welcomed the move by the government not to reduce the value added tax at this time.

In what could be considered the PSC’s review of the budged, the body urged the administration to reconsider its proposal to restrict the importation of used vehicles older than eight years. The proposal formed part of the government’s 2016 budget measures and was announced on Friday last.

Since its announcement, there have been calls from sections of society, including the political opposition for reconsideration.

The PSC pointed out that the introduction of restrictions has a negative connotation and seems unnecessary at this time.

The Body said it should be seriously reviewed and reconsidered.

“This is likely to place undue pressure on low and middle-income persons,” the statement added.

But despite its urging, the PSC offered congratulations to the Minister of Finance for a budget which it said will provide a significant stimulus to the economy as it recovers from a sluggish 2015.

The Private Sector Commission believes that Budget 2016 will generate growth and is happy about the planned expenditure on infrastructure, in particular the $2 Billion that will be spent on hinterland airstrips.

“The significant sums allocated for education, health, public security and agriculture reveal that the focus of the government is on what is needed by the country and for the good of the people,” the statement added.

The PSC is also pleased that the Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity project is being studied again and urged the government to see this project through since it would have untold benefits to business and to all consumers of energy.

The Commission said it is also pleased about the plans for a new Demerara Harbour Bridge and the East Bank to East Coast bypass road. It is hopeful that public servants will soon receive their salary increases and that these will be substantial since, not only is this needed by the persons themselves, but the resultant spending will help the economy to recover.

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One of the recommendations of the Private Sector Commission was comprehensive reform of corporate taxes and PAYE. To this end, it also registered its disappointment that this has not found favour but said “we understand that such reform may have to await the findings of the Tax Reform Committee.”

While being generally satisfied with Budget 2016, the Private Sector Commission urged the government to ensure that all the provisions of the budget are implemented and the allocated sums are spent since approximately 60% of the economy relies on government spending.

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