Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 821: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the person who is liable to pay the household charge when a residence is jointly owned by a married couple who are now separated, one of whom is willing to pay their half of the household charge but a half-rate payment will not be accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18092/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.

The household charge is framed on a self assessment basis and under the legislation an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver.

Section 3(4) of the Act provides that where a residential property is owned by two or more persons, those persons are jointly and severally liable to pay the household charge in respect of that property. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.