07/11/2012

Labour Criticises Household Charge Letters

Clare Labour T.D. Michael McNamara, has told the Dáil that the manner in which the household charge is being collected is making it even more unpopular.

He said that Co. Clare has one of the highest compliance levels in the country with a compliance level of 70%.

Mr McNamara said: "Approximately 55,000 households in Clare have paid the charge which means that approximately 16,500 have not paid it. It is very disconcerting for people who have paid to see equal services still being provided to those who haven't paid, but it is even more disconcerting for those who have paid it to receive letters asking them to provide proof of having paid it to the very local authority where they brought their cheques.

"Notwithstanding the fact that only 16,500 haven't paid, 33,000 letters were issued last week at a cost to Clare Co. Council of €15,000, including letters to many people who have paid, letters to people who are deceased and long deceased. The people are very rightly aggrieved at the manner in which this is being administered."

(CD/GK)

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