If you’re experiencing difficulties paying your council rates, the Tatiara District Council says help is available for you.
Council chief executive officer Anne Champness said financial hardships and unemployment have topped the council’s list of reasons for rate arrears and nonpayment of rates.
“We are very aware of the extra burden council rates can mean for those residents or businesses that are struggling financially,” Ms Champness.
“The Local Government Act provides that councils can grant rate relief due to hardship or extenuating circumstances. Please contact the council office for a confidential discussion if you are experiencing hardship.”
With the rate collection progressing well, Ms Champness confirmed that as of June 30, this year, a total of $301,282 was owed to the council in rate arrears.
She said that as the outstanding payments were affecting the council’s bottom line, it also understood the difficulties faced by the ratepayers.
“All outstanding payments, of course, impact our bottom line. However, considering the amount owed compared to our total budget, the outstanding rate payments do not materially alter our ability to deliver services and infrastructure,” the CEO told this newspaper [Naracoorte Community News].
Ms Champness said the council’s rate recovery processes were aligned with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999.
“These are detailed in the 2023–24 Rating Policy. In the first instance, the council provides different methods of payment to ensure that access to the opportunity to pay is thorough and inclusive (e.g., online, in person, by phone).
“When payments fall overdue, processes include fines and interest, reminder letters or final notices, and referral to a debt collection agency.
“The Rates Hardship Policy provides an opportunity for eligible ratepayers to negotiate flexible payment arrangements and other hardship provisions.”
Ms Champness said that with 90 per cent of the first installment (due September 1) paid to date, no developments were being put on hold because of the rate arrears.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
