Retirees 'should pay more tax'

RETIREES should pay more taxes, says Terra Nova, a think tank with links to the Socialist Party.

It reports that the average retiree is better off than the average worker, more likely to own their home and has fewer financial responsibilites – yet benefits from tax advantages.

They should be taxed the same as workers – for example paying the same rate of the social charge CSG instead of a reduced one.

Because of an ageing population, the qualifying period to pay into the social security system to get a state pension should gradually increase, the body adds.

It said this would be fairer than just putting up the retirement age.