Applications are now open for ratepayers who have been financially effected by COVID-19. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Rates Financial Assistance Policy adopted by Council will provide ratepayers with payment options if they are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.
Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields said the rate relief Policy was the best way Council could support ratepayers going through financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.
“We want our community to know that we are here to support them through these difficult circumstances. There won’t be any interest charged on a delay in payment for eligible ratepayers that have an approved application, which in effect means people can postpone payment for the next two rate instalments until 31 December 2020,” he said.
“This is not a waiving of rates – it’s about providing extra time for rates to be paid. And if you can pay and pay them on time, we encourage you to keep paying them as normal.”
He said the council’s cash flow would take a significant hit by introducing this Policy and highlighted that the Council was dependent on rates for a significant portion of its annual income. He said it was vital for the Council to continue to have an income.
“We need to make sure we can continue to deliver our services and infrastructure projects so our community can continue to grow and prosper after these tough times,” he said.
“We are a large employer and spender in the local economy, so it’s important that we can keep operating at this time,” he said.
Council encourages eligible ratepayers to set up a payment arrangement with Council that is tailored specifically to the eligible ratepayers’ needs. The aim of the payment arrangement is to have the debt relating to the two rate instalment payments that are due on 31 May 2020 and 31 August 2020 paid in full by 31 December 2020.
Applications for assistance are now available. In order to access the interest free period for the May 2020 instalment, applications must be submitted by 31 May 2020.
Ratepayers can visit Council’s website www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au and will be directed to Council’s new customer portal DRC&Me to complete an online application. Applicants will be required to provide supporting documentation to access the provisions of this Policy.
Eligible ratepayers will be notified by return email or in writing following the application process.
Source: Dubbo Regional Council