Sir, – Apparently the Government will exempt lands bought between 2016 and 2021 from the requirement to set aside 20 per cent for social and affordable housing, leaving it at the present 10 per cent, on the basis that was a reasonable expectation of the purchasers (News, September 5th).
When I bought my home, the mortgage rate went from 5 per cent to 18 per cent. My marginal tax rate soared from 50 per cent to 65 per cent and various levies and then USC were added.
My VHI tax relief was first cut in half and then limited to the first €1,000.
Strangely Government did not suggest that I should be exempt from these new mortgage rates, taxes and reductions in VHI relief on the grounds of legitimate expectation. – Yours, etc,
DONAL McGRATH,
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.