Still debating whether to pay the charge? Well consider this.

There a roughly 5,000 privately owned houses in Castlebar town which would mean an income of €500,000 for the local council yet their budget for 2012 makes no reference to this sizable amount – even the council doesn’t expect to see the money. Even if you believe Big Phil when he says the payment will go into a central pot and will be divided out to each county equally, if a considerable amount of Mayo households pay the charge the county will not get it back as other counties will inevitably have a shortfall which our money will have to make up.

There are few services left in your local authority's charge and you are already paying for the low level of services through your high income tax.

Refuse – You pay a private company.

Sewage – You paid a high price for your house which included the developers bill from the council for the connection to the sewage system

Fire Brigade – If you call out the fire service you pay. The rate for Mayo Fire Brigade is €750 PER HOUR

Roads – You pay your road tax

Water – Going to be metered next year

Streetscape/Environment upkeep - You pay for your parking ticket

Swimming pool - You pay at the door

Your local authority provides fewer services today than it did 10 years ago yet the Government’s demand for tax has increased. It just doesn’t add up. The Gov. is squeezing you for this money as it says we’re skint yet it will turn around next week and throw a €3.1 BILLION bond into the Anglo black hole.

Tell the Gov. how you feel by not paying the household charge.