Hardship policy addendum to support effects of COVID-19

Published on 13 August 2020

Council has adopted a Hardship Policy COVID-19 Addendum to support community members and businesses facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.

The addendum was endorsed at last night’s Council meeting, supported unanimously by all Councillors.

Under the addendum, eligible ratepayers experiencing financial hardship can apply to defer their 2020/21 rates and enter a payment plan with Council without incurring interest.

Eligible ratepayers can enter into a payment arrangement with Council comprising an agreed schedule of payments including amount and frequency, with the full amount to be cleared by 31 May 2021. Eligible ratepayers must be able to demonstrate a genuine effort to meet obligations and have a sound record of previous payment.

All ratepayers have the opportunity to provide evidence of financial hardship and enter into a negotiated payment plan.

This addendum is effective from 12 August 2020 to 31 May 2021 (or as revised by Council) and is an addendum to Council’s existing Hardship Policy.

View the full Hardship Policy COVID-19 Addendum here(PDF, 58KB).

Ratepayers can apply for financial hardship support via Council’s website at www/bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/COVIDHardshipApplication

Applications must include details of the circumstances preventing you from meeting your financial obligations.

Council will consider all applications confidentially and objectively based on the information provided and will and advise of its decision in writing within 15 business days of receiving the completed application.

For more information, or to ask any questions, please call Council on 1300 229 229.

“2020 has been an unexpected and tough year on many community members and local businesses who now find themselves in financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. Managing financial hardship is a shared responsibility and we know that Council has a part to play in supporting the community during this time. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please get in contact with us to see what can be arranged.”