More than 85% of households have not paid the household charge with just over two and a half weeks to go before the deadline.

The body responsible for collecting the payments says its confident more people will pay closer to the deadline.

However, those opposed to the charge say it shows that householders are not prepared to pay it.

So far just over 224,000 households have paid the charge - just 14% of the 1.6m households thought to be liable.

The Local Government Management Association is responsible for collecting payments.

Today it met with the ESB electricity network to discuss how they can share information in order to track down those who do not pay.

The Data Protection Commissioner says its awaiting a response from the parties as to how they will do this within their code of practise.

Householders have until the 31 March to pay the charge and the body responsible for collecting it says it will be able to cope with a last minute surge in payments.

However, it says it will make no exceptions if people fail to pay on time and that anyone who misses the deadline will be subject to a fine.