Shire updates Hardship Policy

AN UPDATED hardship policy has been adopted by the Surf Coast Shire to assist community members experiencing financial difficulty.

The policy features strengthened measures and more options to assist those having trouble paying council rates, fees and charges.

Relief measures available under the policy include payment plans, deferred payments, waivers on interest and/or default costs, and in particular circumstances, partial or full waivers on rates and charges.

Changes to the policy include:

Interest will only be charged on overdue rates and charges not the subject of a relief measure.

A detailed review process for people dissatisfied with a decision made under the policy has now been introduced.

Family violence and economic violence will now be recognised in clauses relating to confidentially and under the financial hardship definition, and

As a means of additional support, the shire will provide contact details for external support providers to ratepayers experiencing hardship.

Cr Joel Grist said the updated policy is timely given the cost-of-living pressures being felt in the community.

“The principles of the policy are that Council will be fair, supportive, transparent and accountable in the way we approach debt management,” Cr Grist said.

“All applications for relief will be considered on a case-by-case basis against a clear set of guidelines.”

Ratepayers and service users having difficulty paying rates, fees or charges are encouraged to reach out for a confidential discussion by phoning 5261 0600 or emailing [email protected]