Ratepayers Victoria call on councils to suspend rates, cut costs amid COVID-19 financial woes
As the brutal economic impact of coronavirus bites, the state’s peak ratepayer group says Victorian councils should give families a rates-bill break as a matter of urgency to ease financial hardship.
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Ratepayers Victoria is calling on councils to urgently suspend all rates to minimise the
economic impact of COVID-19.
The state’s peak ratepayer group says Victorian councils should follow the lead of Devonport Council and give people a rates break as a matter of urgency.
The group is also calling for other measures including a halt on project spending, salary cuts for chief executives by at least 25 per cent, offering immediate leave to all non-essential services and the expansion of home visiting services.
They’re also urging for there to be no rate increases next year.
The group’s president Dean Hurlston said in light of the global impact of COVID-19, it was vital councils took a leadership position on the issue.
“Victorian local council revenues are around $10 Billion annually. A large portion of revenue is derived from fines and charges while a large amount of council expenditure is on new projects, many of a non-essential nature,” he said.
“Rates are one of the biggest annual hits to household budgets at a local level.”
He said it was time for a people’s revolution in local councils to scale down the spending and lower the cost to households.
“Millions have and will lose their jobs and businesses” he said.
“We need leadership from all local councils and the Municipal Association of Victoria now.”
The Leader asked several Melbourne councils if they would suspend its rates during the devastating outbreak.
Greater Dandenong Council corporate services director Mick Jaensch said the council would next week consider a rate relief support package for those most in need within the community.
“Council is also looking to increase its material aid contributions to organisations assisting the community through this crisis,” Mr Jaensch said.
“In the interim, council is allowing ratepayers who are unable to pay their rates
to defer payments.
“Council has frozen the raising of any penalty rate interest on late payments until 30 June, with a further review after this date.”
A Cardinia Council spokeswoman said the council was considering options in relation to rates and future budgets.
“At this time council has not made any decisions. We continue to follow the advice and recommendations of the Victorian and Australian governments to ensure to the best of our ability the health and wellbeing of our community,” she said.
Casey Council CEO, Glenn Patterson said decisions around rates and charges “will need to be carefully considered once we have a clearer understanding of the impact of the pandemic on services and resourcing needs” but urged anyone struggling to get in touch immediately to discuss potential relief options.
He said Economic Development officers were available to speak with businesses to help navigate the options available from the Federal and State Governments.
“Additionally, we are developing a package of local initiatives to offer support and relief to our community. This will be communicated when available,” Mr Patterson said.
A Stonnington Council spokesman said their next meeting had been brought forward to Monday, March 30 and financial and non-financial programs to support residents and business through this unprecedented situation would be discussed.
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“Several measures are already in place, including the closure of public facing programs, facilities and services and redeployment opportunities are being investigated,” he said.
“From Monday, March 24, parking infringements are no longer being issued for time restriction offences, others such as no parking and clearway zones will be enforced to ensure road safety.”