Household charge not linked to grants

Following media reports this morning that Clare County Council is linking the provision of student grants to the payment of the household charge, Cork County Council has confirmed that it is not pursuing such a method of collection.

"There is no policy between our collection of the household charge and the provision of students grants," said a spokesperson for Cork County Council. 

It is unknown at this point in time if Cork City Council is to engage in such a policy but it is understood that they currently do not. The Socialist Party in Cork has also warned City Hall not to engage in such a method of collection. 

The actions of Clare County Council were rejected by Cork TD and leader of Fianna Fáil, Michael Martin, who stated "students should not be victimised for the actions of their parents."

"It is a legal charge but I regret that it is being used in such a fashion to fight another issue like the student grants."

If you have been issued a letter by a local authority in Cork asking if you paid the household charge on condition of a grant contact us on 021-4288566