Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013
254. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has given further consideration to placing a moratorium on the rates valuation process in Waterford until after the amalgamation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36062/13]
View answerI would refer the Deputy to my reply to PQ 31103/13 of 26th June, 2013 in relation to the background to the Revaluation process currently underway in Waterford. The application of a moratorium to a revaluation because of local authority amalgamation considerations is not provided for under the Valuation Act, 2001, as the application of such an option would not affect the valuation process. Section 21 of the Act provides that a valuation list must be published within three years of the making of a valuation order.
The Government’s Action Programme for Effective Local Government, Putting People First, indicates that in the context of reorganisation of local governance structures, the proposed new municipal districts will provide an opportunity to achieve a more coherent approach to rates and charges on a county-wide basis, having regard to funding requirements and the need to support employment and business competitiveness. The Action Programme proposes rates harmonisation to cater for differences between Annual Rates on Valuation (ARVs) of towns and counties. The approach of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to rates harmonisation will seek to ensure, that harmonisation does not lead to significant net loss of revenue in individual counties with consequential implications for services, and that any change in rates does not impact negatively on businesses and employment. It is important that local government reform drives down costs to business in order to protect existing jobs and sustain our economic competitiveness.
