CTW Proposals

Jawgap · 01-04-2011 7:42am #1

The Departments of Transport, Sport & Finance have issued some new joint proposals (www.merrionstreet.ie) in relation to reforming the Cycle to Work Scheme. This was in Labour's manifesto supposedly.

Apparently the scheme "cost" the state €5.4m last year. Most of the reliefs went to high earners. According to Michael Ring - too much went to "wannabe Lance Armstrongs and not enough to everyday commuters which the scheme was intended to support. Those who are going to cycle anyway should not have their hobby subsidised by a State scheme intended to expand cycling and bike use."

The new proposals include

Limiting tax relief to the base rather than the marginal rate of tax
One bike per person - meaning you get one shot at it ever, rather than once overy 5 years.
Limiting access to the scheme to those earning less than €42,000 pa (this would still allow over 70% of workers to access the scheme)
Participants would also be required to obtain a "proficiency certificate" before getting their bike (the RSA are to publish proposals on this)
No more than 3 bikes per household to be purchased

There's a deadline for commenting on the proposals