Difficulty paying your rates
It is important to not ignore rates notices or reminder letters. Doing so can lead to extra charges or debt collection. Council can work with you to help manage your rates and reduce further costs where possible.
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Rates Financial Assistance and Hardship Policy
Council recognises that some ratepayers may experience either temporary or permanent financial difficulty and will follow best practice arrangements for the collection and recovery of rates and charges.
The Rates Financial Assistance and Hardship Policy establishes a consistent approach to the collection of property rates and charges.
View policy
Payment plan and financial hardship options
If you are having trouble paying your rates, help is available.
Council offers two types of payment plans, depending on your circumstances:
- Standard payment plan: to assist ratepayers facing financial difficulties, Council offers either a standard or deferral payment plan (extension of the due date), which will ensure rates and charges are paid by the end of the financial year.
- Financial hardship payment plan: to support ratepayers experiencing severe financial hardship, Council offers a flexible financial hardship payment plan.
View payment plan applications
Additional hardship support
If you are experiencing financial hardship, there are services which can provide you with free and confidential support.