Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2012
32 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons who have paid the household charge to date; his plans, if any, to compensate the local government fund for the shortfall in projected revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22097/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra34 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households that have paid the household charge; the number of these that are entitled to waivers; and the action he will take to meet the shortfall in the funding of local authorities. [22128/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 34 together.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.
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 30 April, 2012, a total of 931,446 declarations have been received for the household charge. 15,336 declarations have been received where a waiver from payment of the household charge has been claimed. 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.
