Written answers

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Local Government Charges

10:00 pm

Photo of Brian WalshBrian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 818: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of prosecutions that have been initiated by local authorities in respect of non-payment of the non-principal private residence charge; the number of persons liable to pay the charge in 2011; the amount raised from the charge in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18042/12]

Photo of Gerald NashGerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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Question 904: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an estimate of the level of non-compliance with the non-principal residence charge for each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 and the likely level of the charge outstanding. [19063/12]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 818 and 904 together.

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and is being collected by local authorities. The Act places the onus on an owner of residential property to assess his or her liability to the charge on the liability date and, if liable, to declare that liability and to pay the charge in respect of that property by the due date.

The Act provides for the application of late payment fees of €20 in respect of each month or part of a month for which the charge remains unpaid after the due date. In addition, both the €200 charge and any accumulated late payment fees remain as a charge against the property concerned.

Section 9 of the Act places collection of the charge under the care and management of local authorities. It is therefore a matter for each individual local authority to utilise the provisions of the legislation in the context of any undeclared properties that may be identified. It is understood that local authorities are pursuing those who may have a liability, including those who having paid a charge in a previous year have not done so in subsequent years, and initiating court proceedings, where it is considered appropriate.

From information supplied by the Local Government Management Agency on 16 April, 2012, a total of €67.7m has been raised from the charge on non-principal private residences in respect of 2011.

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