Govt to reject calls for increased local council charges
The Government is reportedly set to reject proposals for the introduction of domestic water charges and a property tax on second homes in order to boost local authority funding.
Reports this morning said the moves were among a range of measures recommended following a two-year Government-led review of how county and city councils are funded.
The review reportedly found that the local authority system would need annual budget increases of between €1bn and €2bn in the coming years if current levels of service are to be maintained.
However, this morning's reports said Environment Minister Dick Roche was set to rule out the possibility of water charges and a tax on second homes when the study is officially published in the next few weeks.
Other recommendations, however, are expected to be considered by the Government following a consultation period.
