Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 32: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons who have paid the household charge to date; his plans, if any, to compensate the Local Government Fund for the shortfall in projected revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22097/12]

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 34: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households that have paid the household charge; the number of these that are entitled to waivers; and the action he will take to meet the shortfall in the funding of local authorities. [22128/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 34 together.

The 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 of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.

The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. I understand, from data provided by the LGMA, that as of 30 April, 2012, a total of 931,446 declarations have been received for the household charge. 15,336 declarations have been received where a waiver from payment of the household charge has been claimed. I will be keeping the income being generated from the household charge under constant review and I and local authorities will take any necessary measures, as appropriate, in regard to compliance with the legislation.