In a recent session of the Limerick District Council held on January 2, the Chairman, Mr B. Skeehan, presided over discussions addressing concerns raised during the reading of the report by the Government-appointed Auditor, Mr Cyril Browne, for the half-year ending on May 31st of the previous year.
The focal point of the discussion revolved around the unsatisfactory collection of cottage rents under the Labour administration. The Auditor underscored that the collection process remained a matter of concern, with an approximate 7% deficit in revenue. Notably, the Auditor proposed instituting measures to enhance the efficiency of rent collection.
However, it was revealed during the meeting that some District Councillors were allegedly using personal influence to impede such proposed reforms. Those opposing the Auditor’s recommendations argued that the community did not appreciate pressure from the authorities, asserting that the issue should be dealt with more diplomatically. Furthermore, these members maintained that their constituents were well capable of paying the arrears, downplaying the severity of the situation.
One specific concern raised during the discussions was the reluctance of tenants to pay the bi-weekly rent approved by the Housing Board. Council members contended that tenants objected not to the amount itself but to the fact that the Board, and not the Council, had set the rent. Consequently, this disagreement resulted in rent arrears, creating a contentious situation.
In response to the ongoing debate, it was suggested that the Council and collectors needed to exert more attention and diligence in addressing the issue promptly. The contention over whether the arrears amounted to a substantial sum was acknowledged, with the realization that tenants who were in default were, in fact, financially capable of meeting their obligations.
Despite these deliberations, a resolution was not immediately reached. The Council opted to adjourn the discussion for further consideration, indicating a need for a more comprehensive evaluation and possibly a compromise that could address both the concerns of the tenants and the financial stability of the district.
The situation sheds light on the intricate balance between the responsibilities of the District Council and the expectations of the community. The disagreement over rent collections exemplifies the challenges faced by local authorities in implementing policies and ensuring financial compliance within the community. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Limerick District Council will navigate this delicate issue and arrive at a resolution that serves the interests of both the tenants and the district’s financial stability.
Dublin Daily Express – Monday 15 September 1913
