Monday 24 August 2009

More ratepayers urged to check rebate eligibility

Clutha District Council is encouraging more ratepayers to check their eligibility for a rates rebate, even if their income exceeds the threshold figure given as a guideline by Internal Affairs.

Council Rates/Property Officer Pauline Ellis said ratepayers could still be eligible for a rebate if their income exceeds the $21,910 threshold guideline.

For example, a married couple for whom NZ Superannuation is their only source of income this year receives $27,570.  If their rates exceed $1,200 they are entitled to some rebate, and if their rates exceed $2,000, they are entitled to the full rebate of $550.

Ms Ellis said she believed the $21,910 threshold guideline figure may discourage some ratepayers, who are in fact eligible for a rebate, from applying.

She is encouraging any ratepayer who believes they could be eligible for a rebate to get in touch with Council and find out.

Council approved 644 applications, and $294,206 (average $456.84) in rates rebates have been paid out during the 2008/09 financial year. The number of applications was down slightly on the 683 in 2007/08, which paid out $279,659 (average $409.46).

Ms Ellis said the decrease in applications may be due in part to the natural attrition of ratepayers or a move by some to residential care.

More information about rates rebates is available from your nearest Council office or Service Centre.