Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 July 2013
181. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person who was informed by a local authority staff member that they were not liable to the household charge when in fact they were before 31 March 2012, if such person will have the late-payment penalties waived; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32789/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 is liable to pay the Household Charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The Charges operate on a self-assessment basis; it is a matter for an owner of a residential property to determine liability and pay the Charge.
Local authorities, assisted by the Local Government Management Agency on a shared services/agency basis, are administering the Household Charge system. Household Charge operational matters are a matter for the relevant local authority or for the Agency. If it is the case that incorrect advice was provided to a liable owner by an employee of a local authority, then that owner should engage with the local authority to resolve the matter.
