Council rates relief on offer

Published on 23 April 2020

Property owners in the Byron Shire who are in financial difficulty because of the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible to arrange a payment plan for their rates and water accounts.

The final rates instalment for the 2019/20 financial year is being sent out at the end of this week and Council acknowledges that receiving a bill at this time could be upsetting for some people so it is important they know they can sign up immediately for a payment plan via Council’s website.

Mayor, Simon Richardson, said Council is extremely aware of the pressure many people are under at the moment, and a payment plan could make things easier for some ratepayers.

“While we cannot waive or stop rates and water account payments as this money is used to deliver essential community services, we can make it easier for people to pay their accounts over a longer period of time,” Mayor Richardson said.

“The services Council provides for the community include water, sewer, road and bridge maintenance and childcare, as well as environmental programs and planning and for the short, and long term, benefit of the community, we need to continue these programs.

“It is a legislative requirement that Councils charge rates so we cannot put a hold on rates but what we can do is give people very easy and reasonable options to help manage their account payments,” Mayor Richardson said.

“People can decide what amount they can afford to pay (minimum of $50 per property per month) to 30 September 2020 and staff will then review the situation,” he said.

Importantly – if all payments are made according to the payment plan Council will waive any accrued interest for the period 1 April – 30 September 2020.

Applying for a payment plan is easy.  Visit www.byron.nsw.gov.au/rates, read the information about assistance with paying rates and submit the online form.

If people have any further questions they should email or call Council’s Rates team at [email protected] or (02) 6626 7007.

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 6626 7320.