[David Grima]

Good evening all,
Just wondering if any Council has provided any assistance under s563 where a land value increase has resulted in a large increase in rates payable.
Thank you,
Dave

[Ken Bakon]

CB policy says NO!

[Tracey Walker]

Hi Dave,
Wollongong is a no here, although we may consider an alternative payment arrangement under our policy.
Your post references s563 is relation to discount, why would you not consider s601(2)?

[David Grima]

Cause I am lazy Tracey …. I just quoted their letter rather than checking the Act …. it was almost 11pm though and I was running out of cookies and milk too (so I was a little distressed).

[Ken Bakon]

Dave,
CB policy is still NO to both 563 and 601………..I thought your section quoting was a bit skewiff, but I got your gist.

[Matthew Saunders]

Hi David,

Penrith Council allows a temporary deferment of the rates increase only(above the previous year’s rates)for up to two years with any interest raised to be waived. Presently we set the eligibility level at 25% rates increase or more and it is only for the first year of rates under the new valuation. We have only had 1 owner that I can recall apply for hardship assistance under this policy. The Hardship Policy wording says:

“Under Section 601 of the Act Council is able to provide relief to ratepayers when their rates have increased due to a land revaluation. Council will allow the ratepayer to apply to defer payment of the increase for a period of up to two years. Additionally, any interest that accrues as a result of a deferment is waived. Both the land value and rates must have increased by a minimum percentage which will be set by Council resolution upon adoption of the Rates and Charges. Residential applications will only be eligible for the owner’s principle place of residence. Business proprietors are required to provide details of the financial hardship caused to the business.”

Kind regards,
Matthew.

[Ian Clayton]

Hi David

Mid-Westerns hardship policy allows for deferment interest free for Residential or Farmland properties where rates have increased above 25% as a result of a increase in value in a Gval.

The “Deferment” is not all that helpful, because it requires entering into a payment arrangement in accordance with the debt recovery policy. Unless otherwise approved by the GM, the debt recovery policy requires arrangements to satisfy the debt by 30/6.
Full policy is at :-
http://www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au/globalassets/S_2572/policies/pol—hardship-policy—march-2014.pdf

I can’t recall receiving an application under this policy.

Cheers
Ian

[Ken Bakon]

Seems like a bit of a “Claytons” policy to me Ian!

[Simone Fisher]

Hi David, no to both. Currently unofficially for s601 but I have recently updated our Hardship Policy & am expecting it to go to Council in May. Although we won’t reduce rates for s601 we will offer a payment arrangement & write-off of interest under s564(2) if the arrangement is adhered to.
Simone

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