Rates interest penalties removed to support community
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Interest will not be charged on any current year rates that remain unpaid at 30 June 2020, East Gippsland Shire Council has decided.
The decision is also extended to include no further interest being charged on rate arrears for the 2019/2020 financial year, from the date interest was last raised, being 15 March 2020.
General Manager Business Excellence Peter Cannizzaro said as a result of the 2019/20 bushfire event, a decision was previously made to defer interest on current year rates and charges if they were paid by 31 May 2020.
“We have made this decision to help the community in light of continued bushfire recovery, and the social distancing restrictions in place to combat the spread of the Coronavirus,” Mr Cannizzaro said.
“We are mindful of the economic impact that COVID-19 is having on our community and the strain that has already felt from the bushfires, so we have made this decision to assist the community.
“The new COVID-19 restrictions are necessary for the health and wellbeing of our community but have led to residents facing uncertainty or insecurity in these unprecedented times. Removing the penalty interest for unpaid rates is one approach Council is taking to assist the community.”
A reassessment of the application of penalty interest to unpaid rates and charges will be undertaken at the end of June 2020 to determine if any further interest free period may be warranted at that point in time. All debt collection recovery processes for unpaid rates and charges and other fees will also be halted until further notice.
Council encourages all those that are able to pay their rates in full to do so or in part payments to suit their individual situation.
Instalment notices and any other notices that reflect adjustments in rates as a result of the recent bushfire event or pending valuation objections will still be issued as soon as possible.
If any ratepayer requires further information on the interest penalty deferral, please contact Council on 5153 9500.