Just 56% of Meath residents had paid the household charge at the end of September.

Meath County Council is stepping up its campaign to collect outstanding household charges in the next few days when it sends out 27,000 letters to identified householders who may owe the €100 payment.

The Local Government Management Agency provided the council with data from the Property Registration Authority to assist the council in sending out the reminders. According to the most recent figures available up to the end of September, only 57 per cent of Meath residents have so far paid up.

Council officials are warning that if the collection rate does not reach 65 % by November, funds for local services will be cut.

Council officials have reviewed the data and made appropriate amendments to ensure it is as accurate as possible. However, in some circumstances, the details of householders may not be matched correctly and householders may receive the reminder letter in error, the council said.

It is asking people who receive a letter in error to make contact immediately with the collection agency Lo Call 1890 357357 to verify their details for the household charge so that their records can be updated.