Very interested to hear how Councils are going to be able to ‘consider a-d’ of the new legislation.
We aren’t doing much (barely any) debt recovery, however I do need to move forward on one ratepayer. (significant debt, recovery had commenced prior to COVID – and pretty confident the Ratepayer isn’t covid effected)
This is my take/consideration on moving forward with this account…thoughts would be appreciated.
(a) whether the payment of the rate or charge could be made in instalments or by way of some other financial arrangement
Yes – it could, and yes Council would be open to an arrangement, this is difficult to achieve when the ratepayers doesn’t contact Council.
(b) whether the person should be referred to a financial counsellor
Yes probably, can suggest, but how long do you wait for them to initiate this process, in rural areas, finding one is also challenging – noted the four services provided in the Q&A.
(c) whether mediation or alternative dispute resolution should be attempted first,
not sure how you tick this box….I feel like I do this in step a.
(d) whether interest on the unpaid amount should be deferred or waived
Yes naturally this could be an option – which is reasonably easy to initiate.
And, I presume if I tick all the a-d boxes, I could proceed with the Statement of Claim.
Thanks in advance for anyone who can direct me.
