Sir, – I bought my first home eight years ago in Dublin 15. I married my wife just over a year ago and we moved into her home. Therefore I registered my house a rental property and will pay my taxes as I should. I am liable for the €200 NPPR charge each year and when I queried what this was for with Fingal County Council I was told it was for local amenities and services. I got this in writing from the council.
I am now liable also for the €100 household charge, which according to the website is also for local services and amenities. Therefore, I must pay €300 per annum for these services in an area I do not live, furthermore I have to pay €200 more per annum for these services than someone who only has their home in this area and €300 more than someone who is exempt or is a renter!
I am not a property developer or speculator, I bought a house to live in, as did my now wife. We can only live in one house. I have no problem with paying a council tax but have a major problem paying more than someone else for the exact same services, which I might add I do not use in Dublin 15. A number of weeks ago I went onto TD Leo Varadkar’s website and sent him a message to this effect asking to explain how this can be fair and equitable? I have yet to receive a reply. Surely every citizen should pay a council tax as we all use local services and amenities? – Yours, etc,