Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
451. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if persons (details supplied) in County Cork are entitled to an exemption from the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51182/12]
View answer463. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person who inherited a derelict house with no running water or electricity is exempt from the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51604/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 463 together.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the Household Charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date is liable to pay the Charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. It is a matter for an owner of a residential property to determine liability. Residential property is defined in the Act as a building that is occupied or suitable for occupation as a separate dwelling. The legislation provides for a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the Charge.
The exemptions from payment are:
- Residential properties that are part of the trading stock of a business and have not been sold or been the source of any income since construction;
- Residential property owned by a Minister of the Government, a housing authority or the Health Service Executive;
- Voluntary and co-operative housing;
- Residential property subject to commercial rates and wholly used as a dwelling;
- Residential property owned by certain charities or discretionary trusts; and,
- Residential property which an owner has vacated due to long-term mental or physical infirmity (e.g. an elderly person that has moved into a nursing home).
The waivers which apply concern:
- Owners of residential property entitled to mortgage interest supplement; and,
- Owners of houses in certain unfinished housing estates.
I urge any person who is unsure as to their liability for the Household Charge to contact their local authority with a view to resolving their status.
