{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/6a0ed4163bbd73b46e3bb399?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Louth County Council Backs Motion Calling for Abolition of USC -21/05/2026","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/1779356590177-d9f3850b-e9e8-413b-8ddd-6d342c61143f.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>On The Agenda this morning, we turned our attention to calls by local councillors in Louth for the abolition of the Universal Social Charge.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Introduced during the financial crisis as a temporary measure, the USC has remained in place for more than a decade — but now Ciaran Fisher and a number of Independent councillors across the country are calling on the Government to scrap it altogether.</p><p><br></p><p>A motion passed at this month’s meeting of Louth County Council is urging the Minister for Finance, the Taoiseach and local TDs to outline a clear timeline for the removal of the charge, with critics arguing it has effectively become a permanent second income tax on workers.</p><p><br></p><p>Councillor Fished joined us to discuss why he believes the USC has outlived its purpose and why he says now is the time to axe it</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"lmfm "}