As part of our ongoing conversation about the Special Rate Variation proposal, we wanted to share more information about our pensioner rebates and hardship policies which were on public exhibition in December and January. These policies were reviewed in response to feedback received during the community consultation period, recognising the need for adequate financial assistance options for those ratepayers who may be facing genuine hardship.
Our Councillors agreed to increase the rebate for ratepayers who receive an Australian Government pension/income support payment. The rebate will be $50 in addition to the State Government-funded existing rebate in the first year if a Special Rate Variation is approved and enacted, and an additional $50 ($100 in total) in the second year of the Special Variation and continue ongoing.This has been formalised in our draft Ratepayers Pensioner Policy, which outlines the additional options for support and flexibility for eligible pensioners who have property debt incurred for their principal place of living.
The other document that has been on public exhibition is the Ratepayers Hardship Policy, which is to ensure equity to all ratepayers whilst assisting those experiencing financial hardship, and to ensure property debt is reduced consistently over time. Now the exhibition period has closed, Councillors will review all feedback and adopt the policies at an upcoming meeting. Stay up to date with the conversation through our Have Your Say page.