There is one week remaining for the Kempsey community to provide feedback on Kempsey Shire Council’s proposed process for supporting those who may be suffering hardship due to the potential rate increase.
In November 2023 Council resolved to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for approval to increase the general fund (property) rates by 42.7% over a three year period.
As part of that application, Council is considering how to manage disadvantage and support ratepayers who may be facing debt recovery actions.
Stephen Mitchell, Director Corporate and Commercial said the updated procedures on exhibition outline the steps Council will take to work with ratepayers to manage debt and make payment possible.
“We have taken a holistic approach to managing disadvantage and while we still need to focus on financial sustainability and generating rates income, acting with integrity and fairness when recovering debts is critical,” said Mr Mitchell.
“Ultimately these documents are part of the evidence Council is required to present to IPART, with the special rate variation application, so the exhibition is an important opportunity for the community to be part of that process.”
The updated Recovery of Unpaid Rates, Charges and Other Debts Procedure outlines the steps Council take to work with ratepayers through proactive contact, developing payment plans and assessing interest charges.
Council has also updated the Hardship Relief to Ratepayers Procedure which outlines the support mechanisms that Council can provide, under the Local Government Act, for those ratepayers assessed as being in genuine financial hardship.
Submissions on the public exhibition of both Procedures along with the revised Long Term Financial Plan and Strategic Asset Management Plan close on Friday 19 January.
Once the exhibition has concluded, the draft documents will be reviewed in light of feedback received. They will then be taken to Council’s extraordinary meeting on 30 January 2024.
