Amidst continuing confusion about the controversial property tax, Cllr Noel McCarthy is calling on Minister Phil Hogan to clarify who is liable for the charge and to apologise to those who have been asked in error to pay it.

The issue was raised at a recent area meeting in Mallow, when Cllr McCarthy pointed out that people in Local Authority houses are being asked to pay a charge, which the council are liable for and this is confusing and distressing for some residents.

Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe added that the methods of assessing house values are also misleading, as he knows of three houses in Mitchelstown, that are all the same size and in the same estate and yet different values have been placed on them.

Cllr Gerard Murphy clarified that those in Local Authority or voluntary housing are not liable for the charge, but he added that there is no database of values and he said that mistakes have been made, so people need to ensure that they do not overpay by paying an amount, which reflects an over assessment of their home value.