Budget lacks relief measures for the people and will pauperize them- critics

Source- Real News Antigua: With the budget lacking meaningful relief for the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda – when compared to the St. Kitts and Nevis budget –
what has been presented, instead, is a budget that seeks to pauperize the people through a set of fiscal measures, critics are saying.

Finance Minister Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the measures being introduced in 2024 are to strengthen the Government’s revenue collection; reduce distortions in the tax system; and improve taxpayer compliance.

Some of the measures outlined include a reduction in tax concessions, especially discretionary exemptions – a promise made in previous budgets, but apparently not followed through.

Browne says his administration recognizes that concessions and tax incentives are required to encourage investments in new projects and major commercial expansions.

Accordingly, he says the Government will continue to provide them as required and in accordance with the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) Act and the Small Business Development Act.

But, he says, “for ongoing routine business operations – to include consumables – these concessions will be discontinued.”
Another noose around the necks of the people, critics say, is an increased tax rate on properties valued at $3 million or more.

There will also be a 10 percent excise tax (sin tax) on alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis products, while the Money Transfer Levy will increase from 2 to 5 percent, as well.

The Browne Administration will also be broadening the base of the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) by enhancing the list of services that would attract the tax – including online streaming services.

According to the finance minister, the Government will also end the concessionary ABST rate applicable to several transactions, most notably within the tourism sector.

“Increasing the ABST rate from 15 percent to 17 percent and applying this rate to the tourism sector, which currently attracts a
rate of 14 percent,” is another tax measure, Browne says.

The cost of living and inflation are already high; however, although there may be a nominal impact on prices because of the rate adjustment in the ABST, Browne says the change will not affect a wide selection of food and other essential items.

“Already, many of the basic food items we presently consume are zero-rated, so consumers do not pay ABST on them,” he says.

He listed some of the zero-rated items, including most fruits and vegetables, including – but not limited to – bananas, oranges, grapes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce; baby products; dry goods and oils to include pasta, sugar, corn meal, flour, rice, and cooking oils; chicken, fish, locally produced meats, and eggs; canned sardines
and tuna; bread; cereals, cheese and milk; water; medicine, pharmaceutical supplies, and adult diapers.

According to the prime minister, exempt supplies for use in the agriculture and fisheries sectors will not be affected by the change in the ABST rate, either.

He says that the Government, through the Ministry of Finance; the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division; the Customs and Excise Department; and other critical stakeholders, will monitor prices as the revenue reforms are implemented.

Additionally, Browne claims that the basket of essential goods and the list of price-controlled items are being reviewed, and recommendations will be made to the Cabinet for appropriate adjustments.

“The intention is to minimize the price effect on basic and essential
goods and ensure timely interventions are made to cushion any impact on vulnerable groups in society,” he says.

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