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SEP 15 2022
‘Very difficult winter ahead’
Warning as Council vote on high property tax by PÁRAIC McMAHON
H l Spectators inspect the match programme ahead of the CSSL finals Photo by Natasha Barton
OMEOWNERS in Clare will have to pay the highest rate of local property tax (LPT) for the next two years. It follows a vote by county councillors to maintain the high rate of 15 per cent which has been in place for the past three years. A counter-proposal by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) to reduce the LPT was defeated 23-3, he said “the cost of living has gone out of control”. Those in favour of maintaining the status quo referenced the reduction in rate bands set by the Government last December which will see some homeowners paying less tax. County Council Chief Executive, Pat
Dowling defended the measures, “there is nothing disgraceful about trying to maintain the services we provide”. Head of Finance, Noeleen Fitzgerald explained that a return to the standard rate of the LPT would leave the Council with a loss of €1.4m while the proposed reduction would equal a €2.75m loss. Barefield’s Cllr Ann Norton (IND) warned of a “very difficult winter” ahead. “People are finding it difficult to put food on the table and are scared of what is coming. We’re coming out of one crisis where people didn’t know if they were coming or going, now we’re heading into another crisis that is going to leave a financial hit on so many people.” Full story pg 7