A West Clare Councillor insists more information is needed before representatives can decide on next year’s property tax rate in this county.
It follows a debate between elected representatives on calls to reduce the rate here.
Councillors have three options when it comes to setting the rate of property tax here – to have it 15 percent higher than the standard Government rate, 15 percent lower than that, or stick to the base rate itself.
Representatives voted last July to rubber stamp the higher rate of the tax in Clare – a rate which is believed to be worth around €1.5 million to the Council’s coffers.
Those who are in favour of the higher rate make the argument that it allows the Council to provide improved and enhanced services – though this is disputed by opponents of it.
At last evening’s monthly meeting, a motion put forward by Shannon Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn called on Councillors to reduce the rate for 2023 back to the Government’s base rate.
Councillor Flynn does not believe Council services would be impacted if that move was rubber stamped later this year.
A number of Councillors expressed concern that passing the motion would be ‘premature’, and may bind them to a decision when the Council’s Budget is voted on later this year.
While those elected representatives didn’t say whether they’re either for or against the higher rate, they say they need more information on the possible consequences of voting through such a move before giving it the green light.
Kilkee-based Fianna Fail Councillor Cillian Murphy was one of those to express such a concern – he says questions need to be answered over the summer before the rate is decided on for 2023.
Councillors will vote on the 2023 overall Budget in September, when next year’s local property tax rate will be considered and signed off on.
Listen back to the full interview here:
