‘Vital decisions needed’ on distribution of local property tax

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has been told it is vital the Government decides on changes to the distribution of the local property tax (LPT) next year so local authorities can fix budgets.

The advice will add pressure on the Government to decide on raising the tax in line with house price rises a year ahead of schedule.

The 77-page briefing document released last night, details how the Government must decide on its distribution by early next year, otherwise councils will lack funds. It states: “A government decision/memo for information in relation to the distribution model for LPT in 2018 is essential in the immediate term... to provide funding certainty for local authorities as early as possible, in order to enable them to meet statutory deadlines and budgetary obligations.”