Closing arrears on Council accounts in 2023 was €8.5m
The figures were contained in a report presented to the elected members in December
The closing arrears on the main collection accounts of Waterford City & County Council for 2023 amounted to €8.5m, according to a report presented to the elected members.
The figure was contained in a auditors report presented to the members of the local authority at their December meeting.
In the report, which was compiled by the Local Government Audit Service on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, under Principal Auditor, James Moran, the members were informed that the arrears figure was mainly due to "a significant increase in housing rent arrears and a comparable reduction in rate arrears".
The report stated that performances of miscelleneous income collection departments remained poor, with no charges raised for derelict sites.
"At year end, debtors of €2.4m were recorded mainly in respect of vacant sites," stated the auditors in the report.
However, the figure also included lease rents, sundry income and fire charges.
"While some progress was made with improving these income streams further measures are necessary," stated the auditors.
In response to the report the Chief Executive said: "Following a recent review, conducted by the PLanning Department, several sites were confirmed as no longer vacant and removed from the register."
The members were also told that remaining sites are liable for levies and engagement with landowners is continuing with a view to encouraging site activation.
The Chief Executive also pointed out that levies were raised on derelict sites for the first time in 2024 and they were also being addressed.
"In addition, collection procedures are now in place to manage the arrears in respect of all other miscellaneous income streams," said the Chief Executive in his response.
