People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) debated and passed several Bills alone in Parliament. The Bills were mostly a reversal to the previous Government’s policies on taxation, licensing, and mortgage relief among others.
MPs of A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition were not present at the sitting on Tuesday.
A statement from the Leader of the Opposition Office a few hours before the scheduled sitting said, “The APNU+AFC will not be part of another attempt by the PPP to deceive the Guyanese people.”
The party still does not fully support the budget and would not be debating any Bills that would give effect to the measures.
Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, said the Bills would look to fix a series of draconian actions taken by the APNU+AFC. He added that he understood why the APNU/AFC would not want to be present as the Bills and Motions being addressed would highlight their insensitive actions.
An amendment was made to reverse the increase on auctioneers’ licenses in 2016 from $7,000 to $40,000. From October 1, 2020 auctioneers will be required to pay $23,500 for a license to carry out auctions.
The Corporation Tax Amendment Bill was also passed. This Bill seeks to remove the 25% corporation tax on private health care and private education making them more profitable and more affordable.
There will be reductions in tuition fees and a reduction in medical bills at private healthcare facilities. It will take effect from January 1, 2021.
The Income Tax Amendment Bill was passed which seeks to amend section 20 (1)(a) of the Income Tax Act to provide mortgage interest relief. Homeowners will now have a deduction on interest paid on mortgage loans less than $30 million. The limit was previously set at $15 million.
Other Bills which the PPP intend to debate in Parliament are the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Amendment Bill, Value Added Tax Amendment Bill, Tax Amendment Bill, Miscellaneous Licenses and the Restorative Justice Bills.
These Bills are intended to reduce and, in some cases, remove Value Added Tax; and reduce and provide exemption for several categories of licensing fees and charges to the justice system.
