Wakefield Council ratepayers can apply to have rates waived during coronavirus pandemic
Wakefield Council has become the first in South Australia to completely waive council rates for people suffering financial hardship because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Council rates will be waived for residents and businesses struggling across the Wakefield district because of the coronavirus pandemic, under a South Australian-first.
Wakefield Council has introduced the measure as part of an $867,000 coronavirus relief package.
It is the first council to commit to a full remission of rates for people under financial stress.
All ratepayers – including residents, businesses and sporting clubs – can now apply for their fourth quarter rates and all other fees to be cancelled if they can prove financial hardship caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Interest and fines for late repayments will also be cancelled until September 30.
Grants of up to $5000 will be available to businesses to help them access professional support services or restructure, such as moving online.
Sporting and community clubs will also be able to access a maximum of $5000 for water and electricity bills.
Wakefield Council covers parts of the Yorke Peninsula and mid north districts.
Mayor Rodney Reid said the council would consider more measures but the package was a “critical first step”
“These are bold measures for a small regional council but we owe it to our community to provide help as soon as we can,” Mr Reid said.
“There are many locals who have lost work or had hours reduced to such an extent they cannot manage their bills and these measures offer immediate financial support.
“When the final quarter rates notices are distributed in the coming weeks, we want to ensure help is at hand for those doing it tough.”
Many other councils have instituted rate relief measures such as postponement and cutting fines – but Wakefield is so far the only council to wipe rates altogether.
More information on the rate remission will be included in rates notices.