The City of Greater Bendigo has begun sending out 62,000 rates notices to property owners either by post or via email this week.
There are some changes to the rates notice this year to remove the larger financial burden of an annual payment and encourage smaller and more regular payments.
The four instalment due dates are:
- September 30, 2024
- December 2, 2024
- February 28, 2025
- June 2, 2025
The City encourages flexible payment options that provide smaller, regular payments to meet instalment timelines. Fortnightly, monthly direct debits and Centrepay remain popular ways to pay amongst ratepayers.
Residents can access information regarding their rates via the ‘Rates’ page on the City website.
Topics include:
- How to pay your rates, including setting up a payment plan and direct debit application forms
- How rates are calculated
- What is included in your rates
- How to change your address or receive your rates via email
- Understanding your valuation
- Financial Hardship Guidelines
The full payment of rates in February each year is no longer an option.
Annual rates that are paid in full by September 30, 2024 will continue to receive a 1.5 per cent discount.
Director Corporate Performance Jess Howard said the payment change was in response to the current cost of living challenges facing the community.
“This is to encourage more ratepayers who are facing financial hardship to seek and engage with City assistance much earlier, and for appropriate supports and arrangements to be put into place to help them,” Ms Howard said.
“As the annual rates notice is one of the larger household bills received each year, we know that most ratepayers prefer to have smaller, regular payments over the financial year either by instalments or flexible payment options rather than the financial stress of paying a lump sum.
“It’s the same way that many households manage bills from utility companies, insurance, telecommunication companies and Vic Roads, who also offer monthly or quarterly billing. It helps to reduce the burden of a lump sum so ratepayers can manage more predictable and manageable payment schedules.
“The City understands this is a change for some ratepayers who have been used to a single payment in February for the financial year. However, the upward trend in those experiencing financial hardship over the past year led to Councillors voting to support this change in June.
