Minister denies ‘duped’ claims on property tax

Homeowners have been "duped" into paying more for poorer services under the property tax, opposition TDs have claimed.

Government assurances the levy would pump more funds into the coffers of local authorities have proved worthless, critics have insisted.

Fianna Fáil environment spokesman, Barry Cowen branded the new system of funding “banana republic stuff” as he sought clarification from ministers that councils have enough time to apply to cut the tax next year before the September 30 deadline.