Council’s updated COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy will give significant rates relief to residents and businesses.
In June 2020, Council resolved to allocate an additional $100,000 in financial support for ratepayers and residents experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At its Council Meeting last night (25 August), Council approved the following extension measures to its existing COVID Hardship Policy:
- Extension of interest waived on overdue rates from 30 September 2020 to 30 June 2021
- Support customer applications for:
- Deferring payment of rates to 30 June 2021
- Waiving a maximum of $500 off rates at principal place of residence to customers receiving JobSeeker as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Waiving a maximum of $500 off rates on businesses receiving JobKeeper payments as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Waiving $100 off rates on properties for customers who can demonstrate 30% or more reduction in income
- Continued suspension of debt recovery action from 30 September 2020 to 30 June 2021
Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey says the extension of the Financial Hardship Policy is a very important Council initiative to support local ratepayers financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant and sudden effect on our everyday lives and for some of our residents who have lost their jobs or income, and local businesses who have closed during lock down, the impact of the pandemic has been devastating.
“With this extension of the Financial Hardship Policy, Council has committed to delivering an additional $100,000 in financial relief to our residents and businesses that need it the most. The new policy will reduce 2020/21 rates bills by up to $500, defer rates payments and waive interest for our local ratepayers and business owners who are experiencing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Golden Plains is a special place to live, and we have 56 wonderful townships with community-minded residents, caring for their family, friends and neighbours through this difficult time. Council is pleased to give greater to support our local people, communities and businesses with this significant financial relief package.”
In April 2020, Golden Plains Shire Council established its COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy, confirming a package of financial relief options for local residents and businesses to support the Golden Plains community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Council’s original COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy included the following measures through to 30 September 2020: suspension of all current debt recovery action for unpaid 2019/20 rates; a waiver on interest on overdue 2019/20 rates; and interest waivers and payment plans for animal registration.
Council’s Financial Hardship Policy also includes a range of Council support for local businesses and a commitment to continue budgeted capital works as scheduled to maximise local business and employment opportunities.
The updated COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy and application form is now available on Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au