Marion Council has approved a plan to sell homes if owners don’t pay rates for over 3 years

Marion Council has approved a plan to start selling off the homes of residents who are more than three years behind on paying their rates in a major crackdown.

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Marion Council has approved a plan to start selling off the homes of ratepayers who are more than three years behind on paying their rates.

The council agreed to the crackdown after the number of Marion residents who had not paid their rates in more than three years jumped nearly 200 per cent in the past four years.

These residents owe the council $775,405 on 85 properties.

Overall, the council is owed more than $3 million in outstanding rates.

Under the Local Government Act, councils can sell a property when the rates have been in arrears for more than three years.

Mayor Kris Hanna said the council had been “slack” in chasing unpaid rates in the past — with one debt dating back to 2006 — but would now get tougher.

“Marion Council is finally going to crackdown on property owners who wilfully fail to pay their rates for more than three years,” Mr Hanna said.

Marion Mayor Kris Hanna. Pictures: Supplied

“We will take into account reasons for non-payment if residents are elderly, have health or social issues, financial distress or if they have an existing payment plan in place.

“The council would consider selling a property only after all the usual debt collection avenues were exhausted.”

Mr Hanna said it was only “a small proportion” of property owners who used the council’s services but refused to pay their share of the rates.

“Nearly all our residents do the right thing and pay their rates in full and on time,” he said.

“Those who hold back on their rates are forcing everyone else to pay more.”

Property owners will be given 31 days to pay off their debt before the council begins the sale process.