Revenue Policy 2011-12 - Wollongong City Council

The policy covers three categories in which any ratepayer can request assistance from Council when
suffering financial hardship as follows:
1) A rate increase due to the revaluation of land
Ratepayers can request assistance if they incur an increase in the amount payable of their rates in
the first year the Council uses new land valuations to calculate its rates, if that increase would cause
them substantial financial hardship. Council has the discretion to waive, reduce or defer the payment
of the whole or any part of the increase in the amount of the rate payable.
Applications must be made in the first rating year the Council uses the new land values to calculate
the rates. Where an application is made in that year, an application may also be made in subsequent
years of the valuation base date.
2) Eligible pensioners
Eligible pensioners suffering financial hardship can apply to Council for assistance. After the total
rebate has been deducted, Council can defer part or all of the remaining rates and charges payable,
interest free. The rates and charges deferred would become a charge against the land.
3) Payment arrangements
Any ratepayer suffering financial hardship can apply to Council and request alternative payment
arrangements to those required by the Local Government Act 1993. Council has the discretion to
consider alternative payment options and write off interest charges.
Pensioner Rates
A Council rebate will apply to eligible pensioners who received both the mandatory rebate under
Section 575 of the Local Government Act, 1993 and a Council rebate under Section 582 of the Local
Government Act, 1993, prior to 1 January 1994.
The rebate for the 2011/12 rating year will be $199.27.
Rate Payment Incentive Scheme
Council will conduct a rate payment incentive scheme in 2011/12 to encourage ratepayers to pay their
annual rates and charges notice in full on or before the 31st August 2011.
Eligible ratepayers who pay their 2011/12 Rates and Charges notice in full by the 31st August 2011
will be able to enter the draw. Eligible ratepayers will be defined in the rules and conditions of entry
that will be provided with the 2011/12 rates and charges notice.
Council will be offering a four cylinder motor vehicle as the major prize.