Almost €4million due in rent arrears to Waterford City & County Council is outstanding, according to the housing financial statements presented at this month's sitting of the Plenary Council.
During the meeting, which took place on Thursday, January 11 in City Hall, local Green Party councillor Cristíona Kiely raised the issue.
Looking through the financial breakdown, Cllr. Kiely noted that 77 tenants each owe at least €10,000 in rent arrears.
Addressing the Council executive, she queried what routes are available in terms of recouping the monies.
She said, "People are on the housing list years, and more than willing to pay rent, and there are some people living in homes and they are content not to pay any rent at all. The auditors said that when compared with other local authorities, we have a higher level of arrears with relatively lower average rent charges of approximately €56 per week at that stage."
Cllr. Kiely asked what tools are at the disposal of the Council to "compel people to pay rent," enquiring as to the possibility of relocating some tenants in order to offer spaces to those on the existing housing waiting list.
Opposition
In response, local Sinn Féin councillor Jim Griffin stated that he did not wish to be associated with Cllr. Kiely's question, adding there is an onus on the Council to do as much as possible to prevent homelessness, particularly when tenants are on already low income.
Reflecting on what powers the Council have in terms on recouping debts, Bernard Pollard, Head of Finance with Waterford City & County Council said a significant amount of tenants have entered into a payment plan.
He added that in the event of a tenant owing monies on rent, only essential maintenance works will be carried out by the Council on the property until payment resumes.
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