Independent Councillor, Paul Hogan, has called on the Government to publish the review of the local property tax as there is mounting speculation of significant increases within county Westmeath, noting that the anticipated average charge could increase from €90 to €315.
“The local property tax is currently under review by the Department of Finance. However, there is no date yet for the publication of this particular review. Homeowners need certainty as to how much their bills are likely to amount to in 2020.
“The local property tax is currently assessed at 0.18 percent of house values from 2013. As we are all aware, house values have significantly increased since then.
“If there is no change to the multiplier, the average charge of €90 in Westmeath will increase to €315. This will have a significant impact on the people throughout the county,” Cllr. Hogan remarked.
The exemption for those who built their own home since 2013 is soon to cease and this is expected to affect 10,000 homeowners across the State.
“I have always contended that the local property tax is a double tax and it should be scrapped. There is no ability to pay clause within the property tax charge. The funding of Local Government should revert to the Central Government fund. A fairer, more progressive tax system could be provided if the political will was present and I am calling on the Government to publish the review without delay”, Cllr. Hogan concluded.
