Homeowners across County Wexford will see an increase in the amount of Local Property Tax they must pay for the next two years.
Wexford County Council has voted to increase LPT by 5% to 15%, with a margin of 20 for and 14 against.
? #BREAKING #Wexford County Council has voted to increase Local Property Tax by 5% to 15%. The vote went through on a margin of 20 for and 14 against. Full breakdown to follow on @Wexford_People ?
— Pádraig Byrne (@byrne_padraig) October 10, 2022
As reported by The Independent, the motion was passed at the council’s October meeting, on the recommendation of council officials, Fianna Fáil Cllr Pip Breen and seconded by Independent Cllr Ger Carthy.
A counter-proposal was tabled by Fianna Fáil Cllr Joe Sullivan to have no increase this year, which was seconded by Sinn Féin councillor Tom Forde.
A third motion to retain the 10% increase was put forward by Independent Cllr Davy Hynes, but this proposal never got to a vote.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council George Lawlor voted on Cllr Sullivan’s counter-proposal first but it was comfortably defeated.
Mr Lawlor took some time to consult standing orders before tabling the motion for the 15% increase.
This would then pass on a margin of 20 votes in favour, and 14 against.
The move has been met with concern across the County, with many citing the cost of living and a lack of confidence in the counsellors representing the locality.
Whether it increases LPT 5 cents or 500 euro is irrelevant. Councillors representing the people of Wexford chose to increase a tax at an unprecedented time in living costs. I honestly have no words.
— Damien Mallon (@mallond4) October 10, 2022
The news coincides with the announcement of dates for social welfare lump-sum payments, which were agreed upon in Budget 23.
Eight lump sum payments will be made over the next few months, with 1.4 million people to receive a double welfare payment next Monday, October 17th.
