Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 February 2012
119 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there will be any concession on the household charge made for those paying management fees on residential properties; his plans to hold management companies accountable for the work they carry out in managing these properties to ensure that residents are getting value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5693/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides for a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge. The exemptions from payment of the household charge 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. 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.
There is no exemption or waiver in the legislation, or proposed, in respect of persons who are paying management fees.
With a view to improving consumer protection, the recently enacted Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 includes provisions for the licensing of property services providers, including providers of property management services. Section 43 of the Act will oblige licensees to provide a letter of engagement containing detailed information on the services to be provided in accordance with Parts 1 and 4 of Schedule 2. Moreover, the statutory functions of the Property Services Regulatory Authority will include the investigation of complaints concerning the provision of property services by licensees.
