Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2012
23 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is a shortfall in the €160 million raised through household charges, if he will pay the balance of the €160 million to fund local authority services; and if not, the way that shortfall will be met. [13076/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is estimated that there are some 1.6 million residential properties potentially liable to the household charge. As such, if collected in full, the household charge has the potential to raise €160 million annually. The household charge is framed on a self assessment basis at a point in time. It is a matter for those who own residential property liable to the charge to declare this and to pay the charge by the due date, 31 March 2012. As an incentive to pay the self assessment charge, late payment fees and late payment interest apply and any amounts due and unpaid remain as a charge against the property concerned. Such amounts will have to be discharged in the event of the sale or transfer of the property concerned.
As of 7 March 2012 a total of 200,101 properties have registered to pay the household charge. This represents some €20 million. I will be keeping the income being generated from the household charge under constant review and I and local authorities will take any necessary measures, as appropriate, in regard to compliance with the legislation.
