[Michael Williams]

Good morning all,

Shoalhaven is starting to receive completed (erroneous) pension concession applications via Service NSW offices in our region.

It looks like they are taking a shotgun approach and we are receiving applications for owners of caravan sites (inside and outside of our LGA) and retirement village units to date. We are concerned with this approach as it is:
1/- giving elderly people a false sense that they are entitled to a financial benefit,
2/- and eroding Council’s reputation when they subsequently discover there is no entitlement,
3/- costing our staff time that is better spent on other tasks

Is this an issue that is confined to Shoalhaven LGA, or are other Councils starting to experience the same? I am keen to educate Service NSW re the conditions required for concession entitlement, but am wondering on the best approach if it is a widespread issue.

Thoughts and comments are appreciated.

Thanks, Michael

[Andrew Butcher]

Hi Michael
I have not heard of this happening at other councils and would be quick to call Services NSW requiring them to desist immediately.
It is my understanding that NSW Government Agencies need to have an agreement in place to do business through Services NSW and unless your Council has entered into an agreement they have no place to act in the capacity outlined in your post.
If you wish I can escalate to the Office of Local Government and would be interested if other councils are also experiencing similar issues.
I hope this is helpful.
Regards,
Andrew

[Michael Williams]

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for your comments. I would appreciate it you would escalate the matter to OLG. Let me know if you need any further information.

Kind Regards
Michael

[Emma Murphy]

I was contacted by Services NSW, they are currently promoting the Cost of Living program here
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/cost-living

So I suspect it might be the same. I was fortunate that the Services NSW girl was local, really helpful and brought brochures in explaining the program, she also knew her stuff as well….so we haven’t been faced with any odd applications, just legitimate ones.

[Lee Howard]

The Service NSW website list shows
You’ll also need to be the owner and occupier of one of the following:
• single dwelling
• dual occupancy
• strata or company title unit
• unit in a retirement village with a life term lease.
We have had enquiries from ratepayers and it has now escalated to the Local Member about why we won’t grant rebates to retirement villages.
Not sure exactly what a life term lease is but our retirement villages are owned by a company and have a single assessment so we don’t grant any rebates for rates or water.
Any thoughts?

[Michael Williams]

Hi Lee,

We have experienced some difficulties with ‘over enthusiastic’ Cost of Living Specialists in the Shoalhaven. We have received enquiries/applications from caravan owners, retirement village occupants, owners outside this LGA. There is other advice they have given that is not correct for DVA and in respect of amounts of entitlement.

It is clear that an education program is needed and perhaps a coordinated approach from NSWRP and OLG would be useful

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