The government looks set to take a hard line with the approximately 600,000 homeowners still refusing to pay the controversial household charge. Around 100,000 homes received a warning letter at the start of July, of that figure less than 40,000 have since paid.

According to the government they are going to receive further warning letters and will face court proceedings for continued non payment. A conviction carries a fine of up to €2,500 as well as a €100 daily penalty for each successive day in arrears following conviction.