Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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196. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review the cumulative penalties being applied to the non-principal private residence charge in view of the fact that the fact that some property owners inadvertently did not realise their liability for this charge and now face unaffordable charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23378/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. The self-assessed charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties.

Under the Act, it is a function of a local authority to collect the Non-Principal Private Residence Charge and late payment fees due to it, and all charges and late payment fees imposed and payable to a local authority are under the care and management of the local authority concerned. In this regard, application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Guidelines have issued to local authorities in relation to the operation of the “care and management” provisions of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 and local authorities are expected to implement these guidelines appropriately. 2013 is the last year of operation of the Charge. Outstanding liabilities at end 2013 and resultant late payment penalties will be collected post 2013.