THE DÁIL IS to vote on legislation which could see the Household Charge repealed next week.
The Sinn Féin-proposed Bill will be introduced on Tuesday and TDs will vote on the Local Government (Household Charge) (Repeal) Bill 2012 on Wednesday evening.
The piece of legislation aims to reverse the recently-introduced €100 fee and reimburse all those who have already paid.
“A yes vote on 20 June will consign the Household Charge to the rubbish bin of history,” said Sinn Féin’s Brian Stanley who has urged all deputies to support the Bill.
The party is running a ‘Back the Bill’ action day today and will host a rally outside Leinster House on Wednesday at 5pm to coincide with the vote.
The Local Government Management Agency, which is tasked with collecting the Household Charge, has said that 924,884 properties have registered for the fee, raising almost €93 million so far.
It warned homeowners who have not yet paid that they will soon be issued with reminder letters and could face the courts if they fail to comply.
Over 40,000 householders have been hit will penalties and interest of between €11 and €13 in addition to the €100 as a result of late payment.
A formal project group has been set up to allow data sharing across a number of agencies, including the ESB, the Department of Social Protection and the Revenue Commissioners.
In a statement, the LGMA said it has already started the process of analysing data to identify householders who have not yet registered.
“A local authority has legislative power to bring legal proceedings for an offence,” it warned. “However, before any proceedings are commenced those who haven’t paid will be written to and given the opportunity to pay.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say