Rate Collection and Financial Hardship Policies Adopted by Council

At last week’s Council Meeting (30 July), Council voted to adopt Rate Collection and Financial Hardship Policies.

The Rate Collection Policy details the collection and administration of rates and charges, with the aim of providing ratepayers with a clear and transparent understanding of options and assistance available for repayments.

This includes how instalments work, methods of payment accepted, reminder notices, interest and more. 

To assist ratepayers in the payment of rates and charges, Council will allow a grace period of 30 days before interest is applied to late instalments and late lump sum payments. Any ratepayer who is experiencing financial difficulties can apply for a flexible payment plan, developed with Council and based on the ratepayer’s ability to pay. 

The Financial Hardship Policy details how Council will provide financial relief to ratepayers who need assistance to pay their rate arrears within a practical, reasonable time frame. 

A person who is demonstrably suffering financial hardship (or would suffer financial hardship if they had to pay full rates) can apply to Council for a waiver of all or part of their rates, or the interest charged for late payment.

“We want to give our ratepayers the breathing space to overcome immediate financial difficulties with a supported financial plan,” explains Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison. “Our goal is to help the community ensure that their future financial commitments – be they household payments or other responsibilities – can be met.”