The agency that collects the Household Charge has warned that local authorities have the power to bring legal proceedings against those who have not paid.

Latest figures from the Local Government Management Agency show that nearly 58% of eligible properties have registered.

€92.9m has been collected in revenue from 884,602 households, while 17,219 properties have registered for a waiver.

A further 17,000 queries are awaiting resolution.

Since the closing date on 31 March, 40,282 more households have registered, paying interest and penalties of between €11 and €13 on top of the €100 charge.

The Government had hoped to collect €160m, but so far just under €93m has been raised.

The crackdown on those who have not paid begins with a letter campaign next month before legal proceedings are brought.

Meanwhile, the Revenue Commissioners, the ESB, the Department of Social Protection and other agencies have agreed to share data with collectors to enable the identification of defaulters.

The LGMA has also released a local authority breakdown of registrations.