Support available: Rates relief for Ipswich homeowners

The Ipswich City Council announced eligible ratepayers will be given extra support in 2022 after approving a rates relief plan. Here’s how you can apply for discounts and support:

Ipswich homeowners who have been financially impacted by the pandemic may be able to receive additional support if they are struggling to make their rate payments in time.

Ipswich City Council meeting.

During the last council meeting of 2021 the Ipswich City Council announced it would extend its Covid-19 rates relief program which started in April 2020.

Last year as Ipswich entered its second year of the pandemic, rates rose by 2.75 per cent across Ipswich which cost homeowners an additional $0.94 cents a week.

In 2020 residential rates also rose by 2.75 per cent.

At the time the council said the “modest” rise was for urgent road repairs.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said by extending the Covid-19 rates relief program, ratepayers would be able to pay their rates over a longer period of time, have interest fees waived, and discounts approved.

“Ratepayers who have identified as having been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and who are continuing to proactively engage with council to address their rate arrears, have been able to access these relief measures,” she said.

Mayor Teresa Harding. Picture: Cordell Richardson

Councillor Jacob Madsen said under the current support plan 836 ratepayers reached out to council in the 2020-2021 financial year.

“Council was able to assist those ratepayers through its rates relief program and 462 have now returned to normal payments and are no longer in arrears,” Cr Madsen said.

“This time of year can be a particularly stressful time for households.

“If you are having difficulties managing the payment of your rates, please contact council to arrange a payment plan with our staff, who are here to help.”

After June 30 2022, residents financially impacted by Covid-19 will no longer be able to access the program for support unless it is again extended.