SF critical of Mayo Council decision to begin court proceedings over household charge

on 28/10/2012 10:38:29

Sinn Féin has criticised Mayo County Council for becoming the first local authority in the country to begin issuing court summonses to people who have not paid the household charge.

It is understood about one in four homeowners in Mayo have failed to pay the charge.

Sinn Féin's environment and local government spokesperson Brian Stanley has condemned Mayo County Council for its actions, describing them as "bully boy tactics".

A number of court dates have been set for the coming weeks for those who have failed to pay the €100 charge and Deputy Stanley is urging Mayo County Council to withdraw the summons immediately.

It is estimated around 500,000 people around the country have yet to pay this controversial tax, which is a predecessor to the property tax which is expected to be introduced next July.