The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. I understand, from data provided by the LGMA, that as of 20 February, 2012, a total of 111,271 properties have been registered for payment of the household charge. A total of 3,720 properties have been registered for the purposes of a waiver from payment of the household charge.
The LGMA does not have the sub national details of the registrations sought in the Question.
Significant efforts are being made to ensure that property owners are aware of the household charge and the requirements to make a declaration of liability and to pay the charge by 31 March, 2012. The LGMA and local authorities have commenced a national information campaign to advise people of their responsibilities in relation to discharging their liability to the household charge. A similar and successful advertising and information campaign was undertaken in the context of the €200 charge on non-principal private residences on its introduction in 2009 with further advertising taking place each year since.
A household charge information leaflet is being issued to residential properties in the State at this time. This leaflet specifically advises persons claiming entitlement to a waiver under the provisions of the Act, including those in certain unfinished estates, that they are required to register their property for such purposes. This is also clearly set out in the frequently asked questions on the household charge website www.householdcharge.ie and on the household charge declaration form.
Further radio advertising campaigns and interviews, including adverts on social media and other websites together with other appropriate communication measures and initiatives will be undertaken in the period up to the payment date of 31 March, 2012.
I am confident that those liable to the household charge will be aware of their obligation to discharge their liability for the charge by completing the requisite declaration form and paying the household charge by 31 March 2012 and thereby avoiding any late payment fees or late payment interest.