Council recognises that residents may experience financial strain for various reasons and aims to offer flexibility and support where possible.
In accordance with our financial hardship policy, residents who are currently having difficulty paying their rates or believe they will in the future, have the option to:
- apply for an extension or rates payment plan
- contact us to discuss other options.
The most important step is to contact us as early as possible so we can understand and take note of your situation. We offer a collaborative, solution-focused space without judgement.
If rates remain overdue
It's also important that Council remains transparent about what happens when rates remain unpaid. Where possible, we will always try to work with residents to avoid further escalation.
- Penalty interest
You will incur a penalty interest for all unpaid overdue rates.
You will continue paying penalty interest on overdue rates and charges until we have received full payment of the outstanding amount.
The penalty interest rate is fixed under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983.
- Debt collection
If you continue to fail to pay your rates notice, we may need to send your rates account to our solicitors to follow-up payment. You will receive a Letter of Demand, which will require you to pay, or make an arrangement to pay, within 14 days.
If you fail to respond to this Letter of Demand or Letter of Demand reminder, you will be referred for the commencement of legal proceedings by our debt collection agency. A summons (complaint) will be issued to those property owners who have any rates outstanding.
Once a summons/complaint is prepared and lodged with the Court for issue, you will also be required to pay the associated legal costs. Within 21 days from the date of service of a summons/complaint you are obligated to either:
- pay the claim in full plus costs
- request a suitable payment arrangement
- lodge a completed Notice of Defence with the Court (thereby giving notice of your intention to dispute the claim).
- Sale of property
Under Section 181 of the Local Government Act 1989, Council has the power to sell properties for unpaid rates where:
- 3 or more years’ worth of rates are unpaid.
- There is no arrangement in place to pay the account.
- Council has a Court Order requiring the payment of the amount.
Further support available
Residents are also encouraged to seek support from free and confidential services such as the National Debt Hotline.