The Rates Hardship Policy is due for periodic review and has been updated. Draft Policies are required to undergo public exhibition before being adopted by Council. Public exhibition provides the community with opportunity to comment on the policy direction and draft provisions before they are implemented.
During the review, it has been recommended to expand this policy to address Debt Management and Hardship Assistance more-broadly. This Policy sets out a consistent, transparent, and reasonable approach for Council to manage monies owing, and, where necessary, recover overdue debts. This Policy further establishes a framework for Council to provide assistance to customers experiencing financial hardship, in accordance with applicable legislation.