Labour councillor Niall McNelis has called on Galwegians to pay the household charge but to make sure beforehand whether or not they might be exempt from paying.
Cllr McNelis pointed out that homeowners, not occupiers, are liable for the charge but a number of homeowners are exempt from paying. These include those in receipt of mortgage interest supplements, properties owned by a charity, social housing, housing owned by local authorities, and properties unoccupied due to a long-term physical or mental illness.
Unfinished housing estates are also exempt, such as estates where there are public safety concerns and where there is no on-site activity addressing these safety issues. A full list of the housing estates that are exempt can be found at www.householdcharge.ie
