Clare homeowners have been venting their anger and distress at receiving reminders to pay the Household Charge, despite the fact that many have paid already – and in some cases – where numerous letters are being sent to their deceased relatives.
Hundreds of people have made contact with Clare FM on the issue, which was also raised in the Dail .
Clare homeowners have been venting their anger and distress at receiving reminders to pay the Household Charge, despite the fact that many have paid already – and in some cases – where numerous letters are being sent to their deceased relatives.
Hundreds of people have made contact with Clare FM on the issue, which was also raised in the Dail last night
Phil Fennick from Ballyminogue, Scarriff got a letter in her husands name this week demanding payment of the Household charge plus plenalties – that’s despite the fact that she’s already paid the 100 euro charge – and her husband died two years ago.
Phil is one of hundreds of people who’s contacted Clare FM’s Morning Focus to express their annoyance and upset at receiving the reminder letters – partiularly in cases where they’re being sent to deceased relatives.
The letters have been sent to thousands of households by Clare County Council and local aithorities across the country, on the instructions of the local government management agency – who are responsible for collecting the household charge.
Clare County Council has told Clare FM that any queries regarding the letters must be sent to the LGMA, but explained The letters are based on a database compiled by the LGMA in a comparison between the data on the Property Registration Agency database, and those that have registered and paid, or obtained a waiver, in relation to the Household Charge.
As the many flaws in that database become obvious, The Mayor of Clare – Ennis fianna Fail Councillor Pat Daly has described the handling of the situation as a disgrace.
The Household charge reminders letters were also raised in Dail Eireann Last night by Clare Labour Deputy Michael McNamara
In response Minister Phil Hogan explained the Local Government Management Agency has had a difficult task in following up on those who haven’t paid the Household charge – and had to rely on details from the Property Registration Authority which are not up to date
And despite Clare County Council pointing to the Local Governbment Management Agency for the confusion over the household charge reminder letters – Minister Phil Hogan also questioned the administration standards of the council and other local authorities in sending out these letters
East Clare Fine Gael Councillor Joe Cooney accepts that both the council and the local government management agency need to do better in handling reminders regarding the non payment of the household charge – and he’s also called for an explanation as to why members of the public are being told by the letter – and Clare County Council to contact the LGMA’s lo-call number – only to be left waiting up to half an hour for someone to answer
The advice for Householders who have queries or who have already paid the charge and received is to contact the Central Bureau at Lo Call 1890 357357 – The LGMA has so far been unavailable to explain to Clare FM why such long delays are being encountered.
