A former Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council believes the government’s planned review of Local Property Tax is long overdue.
The Finance Minister says the review will conclude in time for October’s budget, to determine the system of charging post-2019.
Last year saw €462 million collected nationwide from LPT – almost €10 million of that in Clare.
2017 saw close to €10 million collected in property tax in this county – a figure that will stay the same this year.
Current rates are based on 2013 property valuations, but this is due to be reviewed next year, and there are concerns in some parts of the country that the tax bill would surge in line with property valuations, if there are no changes.
However, the Finance Minister says the aim of the review is to keep the rate being paid from 2020 in line with current prices.
Independent Ennis Councillor James Breen believes it’s overdue.
While Clare County Council had previously reduced the property tax levied here, that is no longer the case and the funds raised last year includes an additional 1.5 million euro as a result.
That higher rate is in place once more this year, and Clare has one of the highest compliance rates in the country.
But another former Clare Mayor, Independent West Clare Councillor Christy Curtin says we’re not seeing the full benefit of paying the rates here.
