Brussels, 24/08/2007 (Agence Europe): - In a tight vote earlier this week (101 votes in favour and 99 against), the Czech parliament endorsed a package of austerity measures to improve the country's finances. The reforms include a simplified income tax of 15% in 2008, falling to 12.5% in 2009. Company tax will fall from 24% to 21% in 2008, followed by a further 1% fall in 2009 and again in 2010. Cuts will be introduced in healthcare (sick pay, child allowance for the first child and family allowances) and payments for the long-term unemployed and pensioners. Charges for medical consultations will be introduced and value-added tax will be levied on food and medicines. The Czech government aims to cut the public deficit, not expected to be brought to below the 3% GDP cut-off point until 2009 (see EUROPE 9435). (mb)