Dublin, Cavan, Tipp councils may follow Clare's household-charge 'proof' policy

on 18/09/2012 16:02:30

A number of local authorities have said they are considering the possibility of withholding grant payments from students where householders have not paid the €100 household charge.

These include South County Dublin, Cavan County Council and South Tipperary.

Clare County Council is asking students who are applying for third level grants for proof that their families had paid the household charge.

The Council, which has been widely criticised for the letters, said grants had not been withheld, but that applicants who had paid the charge would be given priority.

Despite criticisms of the policy from opposition politicians and students, a number of other local authorities may now follow suit.

Michael O'Brien, of the Association of County and City Councils said: "The more than 60% of people who have paid deserve to be supported, because they value essential public services, as we do who are elected to local government."