64% of Leitrim households pay charge

Added: 16-08-2012

Over 64% of households in Leitrim have paid the Household Charge.

Nationally, over €100 million has been received to date from almost 990,500 households. 

In County Leitrim 64.2% of households have now paid the controversial House Charge - the proceeds of which will be used to fund the continuation of council services.

Deputy County Manager John McGuinness says that these services are at risk if the remaining owners do not pay the charge and  is appealing to people register and pay as soon as possible.

The Council's 2012 Budget and Work Programme will be the subject of review in September in the context of the shortfall in Household Charge payments. 

The Local Government Management Agency has advanced the process of analysing data to identify householders who have not yet registered and paid the Household Charge.

Letters were issued by Leitrim County Council in July reminding household to pay the charge and a second letter is due to be issued in September.

A spokesperson for Leitrim County Council says local authorities have legislative power to bring legal proceedings for an offence however they say before any proceedings are commenced, those who haven't paid will be written to and given the opportunity to pay.