Move on rates relief fails

By Sarah Schwager
CASEY Council has stifled a bid by councillors to reduce rates for locals struggling to pay while also highlighting a need for support services in the community.
At a council meeting last month councillors passed a motion that council officers investigate on the removal of interest charges and legal costs associated with ratepayers facing financial difficulties.
However, council officers noted that as rates were the largest source of income for council, they could not afford to take away interest charges.
The report noted that if council did not pursue rates owed to it by charging interest or initiating legal action then there was a risk that rate payments would not be made when they were due or at all.
Instead, council resolved to confirm its original financial hardship policy that it adopted on 21 November last year.
Councillor Janet Halsall said the report highlighted other shortcomings in the City of Casey.
“This report highlights the difficult position many residents are finding themselves in,” Cr Halsall said.
“It demonstrates the need for support and counselling in the community.
“We need to remember this when funding support services.”
She said support services could teach residents how to support, empower and look after themselves in a way that was far better than any temporary form of assistance.
Casey manager of property rates and valuations Peter Gillieron said the State Government fixed interest charges and council has not power to change that.