[Dajana Poblete]

Hi
We have recently completed a centrelink verification for a pensioner and it came back unmatched due to postcode error. We wrote to the ratepayer and they have written back asking for consideration as their house has burnt down and she therefore cannot live at the property. I dont believe we can grant the rebate until the house is rebuilt. Has anyone had a similar case and have you granted the rebate? Appreciate your feedback.

[Simone Fisher]

Hi Dajana,

We had a couple of situations similar to this a few of years ago after a flood came through Picton & washed away several homes. In our case we did not grant the rebates & quoted sec 575 (land on which a dwelling is situated) & the LGA’s dictionary meaning of eligible pensioner (person who occupies that dwelling as his or her sole or principle place of living) when we refused the applications.

We did remove the waste & stormwater charges though which in all cases reduced the total rates & charges payable by more than the rebate would have anyway. Fortunately each of the ratepayers were satisfied with this & no one took us to A Current Affair as I’m not sure how we would have gone politically if ours had have been taken further.

Regards,
Simone

[Dajana Poblete]

Thanks Simone!

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