RADICAL CHANGES TO how water charges will be levied are to go before Cabinet tomorrow before being officially announced in the Dáil on Wednesday.

However the government’s plans have been widely reported over the weekend with all households now expected to pay an annual charge of less than €200.

Water bills will be capped for three years, with the coalition hoping that the move serves as a peace offering to a disgruntled public.

Under the plans:

• Households would register through Irish Water, but register their PPS number with the Department of Social Protection
• This will entitle them to a €100 rebate that will be available to everyone, not just those on social welfare. 
• Single adult homes having their payments capped at €176, but this comes down to €76 when the €100 rebate is factored in 
• Homes with two adults or more will have a maximum rate of €278 which comes down to €178 when the €100 is accounted for 

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton said yesterday that the support payment would make water bills “very affordable”.

The plans are due to be announced in the Dáil on Wednesday afternoon from 5pm with all day Thursday now devoted to debate on the new charges.

Read: Video shows Joan Burton being hit with a water balloon at Jobstown protest

Read: ‘Did she expect a red carpet?’: Ruth Coppinger defends Saturday’s water protest

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