Billy Kelleher
Ceist:578. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the second stage of the Local Government (Rates) Bill 2018 will take place in 2019. [53659/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 19 December 2018
Ceisteanna (578)
Freagraí scríofa
The legislative basis for the levying of rates is spread over a number of enactments, some dating back to the 19th century. My Department has developed legislative proposals to modernise and consolidate the legislation governing commercial rates, and last year the Government approved the drafting of a Rates Bill.
The Local Government (Rates) Bill 2018 was published on 9 August 2018. The Bill contains proposals for some modernisation and consolidation of the legislation governing commercial rates. Included in the provisions are:
- the removal of the requirement for ratepayers to pay their annual bill in two instalments (moieties) and allow ratepayers to pay rates by instalments or a payment plan agreed with the local authority;
- schemes for the abatement of rates on vacant properties;
- power for local authorities to introduce rates waiver schemes to support local and national policy objectives;
- the levying of interest on unpaid and overdue rates; and
- unpaid rates to be a charge on relevant property.
The scheduling of Second Stage of the Bill in the Dáil is a matter for the Business Committee to decide. In the current session, priority has attached to the Local Government Bill 2018 in terms of Dáil time for legislation in the local government area. I hope that it should be possible to commence Second Stage of the Local Government (Rates) Bill in the Spring Dáil session.
Question No. 579 answered with Question No. 573.