– I have learned that actually price must apply and that the norm price must be scrapped

On Tuesday, April 1, at the Storting, we will consider a proposal to discontinue the norm price scheme when determining basic interest tax in the aquaculture.

It is an important issue we will deal with – and a proposal that I hope will get a majority when now is out of government.

Basic interest tax on aquaculture was an important issue in 2023 – and it is important today. I participated in a settlement with Ap, Sp and the Left on the case and tilted it to a basic interest tax of 25 percent. In addition, we adopted four request decisions that the government had little power to get introduced.

During the Storting’s treatment of the case on May 31, 2023, I clearly stated that if it turns out that parts of the tax regime give an unfortunate outcome for the industry, the facility can certainly be adjusted in collaboration with the industry.

Here there has been an almost unison feedback that the norm price is not fair. Then we have worked more thoroughly with just this – and have come to the conclusion that the norm price must be replaced with the actual price. There is also something I brought up with the government in January and February 2024. But then the government would not listen. I am therefore pleased with the representative proposal.

The norm price versus actual price, is about trust between the state and the salmon industry. Actually price is a « cheap grip » that will make the basic interest rate more edible for salmon breeders, and perhaps ensure a broader political basis for the salmon tax in the future.

A price advice for the norm price has its price too. On behalf of the patient focus, I proposed in February 2024 that funds were set aside to strengthen the Tax Administration so that they could do more checks with the industry whose actual prices were continued then.

My conclusion is: I have found that the actual price must apply and that the norm price must be scrapped. I will therefore support the minority proposal from H, Frp, V and KrF. It should also do SP – because it is actually about getting calm between the industry and the state with a tax regime that has legitimacy in the salmon industry.

Irene Ojala, Patient Focus