Environment, Heritage & Local Government
Thursday, 16 July 2009 19:16Suggested cuts of €130m and 30 jobs.
Local authorities
There should be a rationalisation in the number of local authorities. The group recommends a single-tier or local government with the axing of regional authorities and town councils.
Housing
The group proposes a number of measures in the housing sector. These include a review of the local authority tenancy system and amending the criteria for local authority housing lists. It does not say what the amendments should actually be.
The policy of selling existing housing stock should be reconsidered.
A number of schemes should also be axed or amended. These include Affordable Housing Schemes; the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme, Rental Accommodation Scheme and the Home Choice Loan Scheme.
Water charges
The report has recommended the introduction of water charges for domestic customers.
Charging is already widespread in some areas such as through water schemes, the Group argue.
As most homes do not have water meters a flat-rate fee could be introduced pending the installation of a meter.
This would open up a new and sustainable source of revenue and encourage better use of water.
Rates
The report has recommended a three-year freeze on commercial rates imposed by local authorities.
