Bin collection double-whammy hits homeowners

HOMEOWNERS have been hit by a new bin tax double-whammy as Finance Minister Brian Lenihan moved to squeeze more money out of the contentious charge.

Relief on the payment is being withdrawn as the service was made liable to VAT in a bid to suck an extra €20 million into the Exchequer each year.

VAT will also be imposed on parking and toll fees after a landmark European Court of Justice ruling set to hit the Irish motorist hard, and will also impact on council-run leisure and landfill facilities.