The Government’s onslaught on the people of Ireland continues tonight with the revelation that any unpaid water charges may be taken directly at source, just like the Property Tax was.
This marks an increased aggressiveness in the Government’s approach to payment of water bills.
While proposals are yet to be finalized, attachment orders on wages and welfare are looking likely. Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly will soon publish a raft of measures to deal with noncompliance.
Irish Water would require a court order to deduct unpaid bills at source, and according to Coalition officials, such action would likely be specifically targeted at those who refuse to pay, rather than those who cannot afford to.
Mr Kelly is said to be drafting compliance legislation in relation to water charges, and his proposals will be discussed at Cabinet level in the near future.