Published on Tuesday, 26 May 2020 at 8:45:00 PM
With COVID-19 having an impact on some residents' finances, the Town of Bassendean has introduced a policy to help people who are experiencing hardship.
Mayor Cr Renee McLennan said Council recognised that some members of the community are suffering genuine financial hardship arising from a range of circumstances.
"We want to help people through this and meet their obligations, so we encourage those who may be struggling to reach out for help and contact our Officers to discuss your situation," she said.
Hardship applies if paying rates, charges or other debts due to the Town affects your ability to meet basic living needs such as a mortgage, utility costs, food, clothing, medical treatment, education and other necessities.
Hardship may arise from unemployment or under-employment, separation or divorce, caring for or supporting extended family, domestic or family violence, loss of a loved-one, health problems, a chronically ill family member, business downturn, impact of natural disaster or a local, State, or national emergency.
Officers will discuss a payment agreement to clear the debt within three years, with administration fees and interest charges waived, subject to conditions.
Each application for financial hardship support will be considered on its merits and applicants will need to provide sufficient information for the Town to assess their financial circumstances.
Financial Counselling
To access free and confidential financial counselling, contact:
Financial Counsellors’ Association of WA
Phone: 08 9325 1617
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.financialcounsellors.org
Financial Counselling Helpline: 1800 007 007
Seniors
Seniors who meet the eligibility criteria can claim a rebate of up to 25 per cent of their rates (up to a cap of $100 in 2019-20). The Emergency Services Levy attracts a rebate of 25 per cent.
Eligible pensioners can claim a rebate of up to 50 per cent of their rates (up to $750 in 2019-20). The Emergency Services Levy attracts a rebate of 50 per cent.
Seniors can register in person with the Town, or with the Water Corporation by phoning 13 13 85 or online
Water Corporation
The hardship policy is one of four new financial policies adopted by Council this month, with new policies now in place for the recovery of sundry debts and debts arising from rates and service charges, and a policy for ratepayers to apply for a rates exemption.
The report to Council's Ordinary Meeting last night stated that total rates debt due to the Town was $785,846 for the year ended 30 June 2019 (about 5.98 percent of rates revenue).
The policies were prepared following a review of similar policies in place at other local governments.
This suite of policies provide a clear, accountable and transparent process to guide the Town’s debt management and collection practices, providing consistency for all debt recovery and balancing the need for equitable sharing of the revenue burden while assisting those in genuine financial need.
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