Charles Sturt, Salisbury councils scrap penalties for late rate payments
Councils will help ease the coronavirus-induced financial burden on ratepayers and sporting clubs as they begin scrapping penalties for late payments and reducing lease fees.
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Councils across South Australia will give ratepayers a break over unpaid rates as financial strain threatens to hurt people during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sporting clubs will also be given a lifeline with a stay on lease fees for homegrounds.
Charles Sturt and Salisbury councils have both given their chief executives the power to waive fines and penalties associated with late payment of rates.
Salisbury will waive fees for sports clubs in its district, while Charles Sturt will negotiate, offer or grant reductions in fees in charges for clubs and businesses.
Barossa Council is set to discuss deferring outstanding rates and charges from this financial year for six months on Thursday.
Other councils are expected to institute similar measures – but the decision must be made individually by each council.
Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans said anyone experiencing financial hardship could contact the council for help.
“For those experiencing hardship, we will support you to organise a payment arrangement specific to your financial circumstances with extended time to pay without penalty until further notice,” Ms Evans said.
Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge said it was vital to make sure sporting clubs survived the pandemic.
“Our sporting and community clubs are the lifeblood of our community and these closures
have affected so many people and their families,” Ms Aldridge said.
“We are committed to helping our clubs through this difficult period and ready to assist in
the recovery process once the COVID-19 outbreak has abated.”
Local Government Association president Sam Telfer said councils were braced to deal with ratepayers’ financial problems.
“Many councils will be expecting an increase in hardship applications from ratepayers impacted by (coronavirus),” Mr Telfer said.
“Historically most people who have reached out to their councils for hardship support have received assistance, but it’s important ratepayers contact their council early to discuss options before their rates fall into arrears.
“These inquiries are treated confidentially.”