Coronavirus Qld: Brisbane City Council sympathetic on rates

Brisbane’s Lord Mayor says the city council will be sympathetic to ratepayers struggling to meet expenses during the coronavirus crisis. And more will be eligible for assistance.

LORD Mayor Adrian Schrinner says Brisbane City Council will take a “very sympathetic view” of residents and business owners who are genuinely struggling to pay their rates during the coronavirus crisis.

Brisbane City Council will now expand rates assistance so that it not only applies to owner-occupiers, but also non-owner-occupiers and businesses.

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Under the assistance, payment plans or deferred payment agreements of up to nine months will be available, with interest to not be applied to those outstanding payments.

“If you are worried about your ability to pay your rates on time, please speak to us,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Council has several ways to help during this difficult time.

“Where genuine hardship exists, council will take a very sympathetic view.

“There is no way to know how long or how far this economic crisis will extend, but as a council we will assist where we can.”

It is understood this does not mean that the rates bills will be waived.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner

Ratepayers who are struggling are being urged to get in touch the council’s contact centre to discuss their options.

Brisbane ratepayers are expected to receive their next notice in early April.

Rates makes up about 46 per cent of the council’s revenue stream.

The council announced last week that it would waive its fees, permits and rents for businesses, community groups and clubs for at least the next three months.

The Lord Mayor is running for election at the March 28 council elections.

Brisbane City Council’s call centre can be contacted on 133 263