asked the Minister for Local Government if, having regard to the heavy and increasing burden of rates on householders and particularly on young married couples purchasing their homes, who have also to shoulder high mortgage repayment charges, he will indicate the steps proposed by the Government to revise the present archaic rating system.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rating System Revision.
15.
The system of local finance and taxation has been the subject of detailed investigations by an interdepartmental committee. While the stage has not been reached where comprehensive proposals for any necessary changes can be formulated, effect is being given in the Local Government (Rates) (No. 2) Bill, 1969, which was introduced yesterday, to certain improvements in the rating system on the lines recommended by the committee. Positive action continues to be taken to protect ratepayers from the full impact of increases in local authority expenditure by increases in State grants to local authorities which, this year, are estimated to amount to about £66 million.