Litchfield council rates to increase on paper only, with coronavirus offset to assist many residents

LITCHFIELD council have steadied its rates for the coming financial year in finalising its municipal plan for 2020/21

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LITCHFIELD council have steadied its rates for the coming financial year in finalising its municipal plan for 2020/21.

With Litchfield ratepayers often seeing the biggest percentage increase in their rates annually, they will only increase by $60 in the coming year, which many residents will be able to offset through to an extension in council’s rate’s hardship policy due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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The temporary expansion will capture all ratepayers adversely impact by the pandemic, meaning they can apply for an interest write off, deferral of rates or have interest placed on hold.

Litchfield Mayor Maree Bredhauer said the decision to increase rates was difficult given the climate but necessary to ensure council followed their long-term financial plan.

“We understand COVID-19 has put pressure on households and we have acknowledged this

in the budget,” she said.

Litchfield Mayor Maree Bredhauer said the decision to increase rates was difficult given the climate but necessary.

“The rates on paper will increase by $60, but Council has agreed to provide ratepayers with a concession to the value of the increase in 2020-21.”

If successful with their hardship application, it means ratepayers will not pay more in rates in the next financial year than they did in the last financial year.

When the increase was proposed, Councillor Kirsty Sayers-Hunt said the coronavirus pandemic had taken its toll on both council and the wider community.

“It is our mandate as Councillors to make the hard decisions even in difficult times,” she said. The hard decision to increase rates by $60 and grant a concession to ratepayers for the same value is in recognition of the impact COVID-19 has had on our economy.”

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Litchfield council’s’ 2020/21 municipal plan and budget, which sets out over $6.6 million in capital projects, continued funding for Council’s seven Recreation Reserves at over $1.1 million and over $100,000 going back to the community through grants, support and events.

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