Bogus collectors target homes

A gang of thieves posing as collectors of the household charge has targeted homes in the midlands.

The con-artists, claiming to be council staff and demanding instant payment of the €100 levy, called to homes in Mountmellick and Stradbally, Co Laois, yesterday, while others were at large in Kells, Co Meath, on Monday.

Urging caution, both Meath and Laois county councils insisted yesterday none of their staff were engaged in the collection of the charge and warned the public to be vigilant.

“We have not — and will not — have any staff collecting the charge on the doorstep,” a spokeswoman for Meath County Council said. “We will only be sending out staff to issue reminders after next Saturday’s deadline has passed. They will not be authorised to collect any money so none should be handed over.”

She was unable to say if any money had been handed over by householders.

Laois County Council confirmed it does not have any staff or agents collecting the €100 levy on its behalf.

Members of the public are also being reminded that council staff who call on households will always carry identification. “All staff will be wearing high-visibility jackets and will offer IDs without being asked,” said the Meath County Council spokeswoman.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment has clarified the categories of properties and people who do not have to pay the charge. Spokesman Sean Dunne said certain properties were entirely exempt and owners would not have to register them, while other owners entitled to a waiver would have to register.

Residential properties entirely exempt include:

* Those that are part of the trading stock of a business and have not been sold or been the source of income since construction;

* Those vested in a government minister or the HSE;

* Those vested in a housing authority, including those where householders are buying their homes under the shared ownership scheme and where the local authority still retains an ownership stake;

* Voluntary and co-operative housing;

* Those subject to commercial rates and wholly used as a dwelling;

* Those owned by certain charities or comprised in a discretionary trust;

* Residential property where a person has to leave their house due to long-term mental or physical infirmity.

However, Mr Dunne said anyone remaining in such homes would still have to pay. It remains unclear if family members who let out a house becoming vacant would be liable.

Waivers apply to people rather than the property and include:

* Those in receipt of mortgage interest supplement;

* Those in some unfinished housing estates.

Those entitled to a waiver must register and then apply for the exemption.