[Emma Murphy]

Hi,
I know we are only a few hours into the government decisions and I know this is a long way from over.

Just wondering if anyone is looking at providing rate relief, donations, write offs etc to ratepayers. And if so, what and how you are complying with the act.

I have had a call already from the landlord who owns the building that houses our local cinema, he is wanting to know what we are going to do, and we also have a Councilor wanting to provide rating relief to businesses and farmers.

[Andrew Butcher]

Hi Emma
There are many councils looking at how they can reduce or waive penalty interest charges or defer the third instalment until 31 August 2020.
Now we all know these are great initiatives to help the whole community but unless made by each individual ratepayer are mostly outside of the legislative framework.
The OLG have been in contact and have been asked to help with some guidance and investigate opportunities to enable these options via changes to the Regulations.
Will keep you posted as things develop.
Regards,
Andrew

[Suzy Melki]

FCC Council are looking at ways of reducing the interest/or reducing the rates and charges for the remaining outstanding Instalment due to COVID-19, can anyone direct me to the section of the act where it states this can not be done to support my answer.
They are also looking at reducing the revenue intake for next financial year, under LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1993 – SECT 509 Maximum general income I think covers this part where council can still make changes prior to adoption, keep in mind I have already forecasted the rates for 2020-2021 with rate peg at 2.6%, can I still change this if we do not wish to take up the 2.6% what section of the act covers this decision if we go to this pathway.
you support is greatly appreciated.
Regards
Suzy

[David Grima]

Morning all, just wondering what the take up has been of any relief being offered by Council? Ours has been minimal.

[Andrea Dolan]

Hi David,
CBCity’s have been minimal as well. Stats we have to date are about 160 forms sent by Rates (don’t have stats for those sent by Customer Service), and we have 40 that are eligible and have been processed under the Mayor’s Rate Relief Package (COVID-19).
Andrea

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