By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A HARDSHIP code needs to be introduced to help residents struggling to pay their rates, according to Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan.
Mr Donnellan has called on the State Government to introduce a hardship code after a 7.5 per cent rate rise in the City of Casey, which he said is concerning many residents.
“Residents are contacting me really worried that they won’t be able to pay their council rates this year thanks to the exorbitant rate rise from Casey,” he said.
“In some cases we’re seeing rate rises of hundreds of dollars.”
Mr Donnellan said it is time for the State Government to consider guidelines that prompt councils to consider the financial struggles many families endure.
“People need to pay their rates, but councils need to understand the hardship many families are going through,” he said.
“The Napthine Government needs to seriously consider guidelines that stop councils unfairly treating honest, hardworking families like criminals because they can’t afford to pay their increased rate bills on time.”
City of Casey Manager Property, Rates and Valuations Peter Gillieron said the council’s Financial Hardship Policy is used when considering the financial circumstances of individual ratepayers and often the best solution is to organise individual payment arrangements.
“A proposed ‘code’ would not necessarily provide the flexibility that an individual arrangement would,” he said.
Mr Gillieron also said the council’s annual rate revenue requirement is determined as part of the annual budget process.
“Council has to balance the community requests for new services and facilities in a growing municipality against minimising the financial impact of any rate increase on ratepayers,” he said.
“The other impact on council’s rate revenue requirement is financial obligations imposed on council, over which it is has no control.”
Mr Gillieron said ratepayers who have difficulty paying their rates as a result of financial hardship are encouraged to contact the council on 9705 5200 before the due date to make suitable payment arrangements.
