Adelaide Hills Council owed $1.7m in unpaid rates as residents struggle to pay their bills
COVID-19 and the devastating summer bushfires have resulted in a record number of Adelaide Hills Council residents applying for hardship support.
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The number of Adelaide Hills homeowners applying for hardship support have reached an all-time high as the aftermath of the Cudlee Creek fires and COVID-19 begins to bite.
Adelaide Hills Council figures show 2860 rates remain unpaid since July – equating to around $1.7 million is missing revenue.
It’s an 11 per cent increase to this time last year and 16 per cent the year prior.
The council’s Manager for Financial Services Mike Carey said around 300 residents had so far filed for hardship, a figure he expected to rise in the months ahead.
“We usually have upwards of 100 hardship applications each year, so it’s definitely high,” he said.
“We gained an extra 100 (applications) from the fires and another 100 as a result of COVID which I think has been the main driver.
“What this means is that these people won’t get fined for being late or accrue interest on their late payments.
“They can also set up a payment plan that works for them.”
With the council in the process of issuing late payment notices, Mr Carey said he encouraged residents to contact their local branch.
As per the Local Government Act 1999, unpaid rates notices will occur a two per cent fine derived from the total amount cited on the last bill.
At the end of each month thereafter, interest of around five per cent will be added on any balance (including interest) not paid.
“It all adds up so we’re very much encouraging people to contact the council and to discuss their situation,” Mr Carey said.
“Of course some of the unpaid rates notices are related to other matters, such as deceased estates, a matter that’s currently being dealt with by the council.
“However, for those who may have simply forgotten their bill, it’s important that they make a payment as soon as possible.”