As a result of benchmarking, local authorities will face a bill of about €165 million. In Kilkenny, for example, this will mean a bill of €3 million to €4 million for the local authority. Why are local authorities being asked to meet benchmarking payments? The local authority in Kilkenny, among others, has been charged with drawing up a new list of development charges. Some authorities speak of development charges of up to €10,000 per unit. Last year the Government abolished the first-time buyer's grant. It is now effectively introducing a first-time buyer's tax by stealth in all local authority areas.