Charlie McCreevy
Ceist:33 Mr. McCreevy asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to abolish service charges. [24143/96]
Written Answers. - Local Authority Charges.
Noel Treacy
Ceist:58 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for the Environment the exact charges which he submitted to Government for abolition and which were announced in his public statement on 19 December 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1519/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 58 together.
"Better Local Government — A Programme for Change" provides for a new funding system for local authorities, under which, inter alia, charges by local authorities for domestic water and sewerage services will not be levied in respect of 1997 or following years. Domestic refuse charges will remain and commercial service charges are not affected. Domestic water and sewerage charges due in respect of 1996 and previous years will continue to be payable.