Hogan 'climbdown reflects growing pressure' on home taxes

The Campaign Against Household & Water Taxes (CAHWT) has said that Environment Minister Phil Hogan's reduction of the septic tank registration fee "is a desperate attempt to stem the growing opposition to household taxes".

Last night, Mr Hogan revealed the reduction to incentivise people to sign up early ahead of the start of inspections next year.

The Minister said he does not expect there will be a widespread problem of tanks failing inspections.

The group opposing the Household tax has said that momentum is now building against the tax and, with 95% still not paying, the Government faces mass non-registration of the "first troika-imposed tax".

The Campaign Against Household & Water Taxes held a meeting last night in Carlow where 400 turned up and recently in Galway and Ennis.

This follows a trend of other meetings in January around the country.

CAHWT spokesperson Cllr Ruth Coppinger said: "The vast crowds at these meetings are incensed about the household tax, but they are speaking also about a general inequality in society. They have seen their incomes slashed and their schools and hospitals cut to fund the ongoing bailout . They see this as their chance to make a statement.

"At the meetings, people are voicing a growing anger at the Government whom they hoped would take on the bondholders but instead bowed down to them. "

"This retreat by Minister Hogan should be seen by all opposed to the household tax as an encouragement to continue the campaign of non-registration. With 95% still not paying, the government has a real problem on its hands. History could be made and the first troika-imposed tax in Ireland could be stopped in its tracks."