Draft Rates Postponement Policy
-
Opening
-
Closing
Introduction
The Stratford District Council Rates Postponement Policy has been reviewed and we're now inviting community feedback on the draft policy.
Our Rates Postponement Policy outlines the reasons that ratepayers can apply to have rate payments postponed.
Why does the Council have a Rates Postponement Policy?
As per Section 102(3) of the Local Government Act 2002 Council has chosen to adopt both a rates remission policy and a rates postponement policy for the benefit of the community.
Why is the Council reviewing the Rates Postponement Policy?
Council process calls for a review of policies on a three (3) yearly basis – The Rates Postponement Policy was last reviewed in 2018.
What is the Council proposing in this review of the Rates Postponement Policy?
The current policy has two parts – postponement for ratepayers experiencing extreme financial hardship, and a postponement for ratepayers with farmland affected by a natural disaster who were suffering extreme financial hardship. Read the current policy here.
Elected members considered a proposal which clarified conditions, criteria and eligibility for the Extreme Financial Hardship postponement, and decided to remove this part altogether from the policy.
Elected members also considered the postponement for Farmland affected by natural disasters and following the discussion and debate it was determined that the policy be broadened to include all properties affected by natural disaster, not just farmland.
What must the Council consider when reviewing the Rates Postponement Policy?
Section 102 of the Local Government Act 2002 provides that a local authority may adopt a Rates Postponement Policy. Council’s own processes call for a review of policies on a three (3) yearly basis. However, Section 110 of the Act requires that the Policy must be reviewed at least once every 6 years. This Policy was last reviewed by Council in 2018.
How will the Council implement and fund the Rates Remission Policy?
The final amended Policy, once adopted, will be implemented and applied from the rating year commencing 1 July 2024.
The proposed changes have not been factored into the Long Term Plan 2024-34 budgets. However, it will not have an impact on Council’s net surplus or deficit.
Where do I get copies of the policy?
Download the draft policy here.
Or copies are available upon request at the following locations:
- The Council Offices 63 Miranda Street, P O Box 320, Stratford
- The Stratford Library Prospero Place, Stratford
How to have your say
Any person or organisation has a right to be heard in regards to this proposal and the Council would encourage everyone with an interest to do so.
To get your submission to us, either:
- Complete the online submission form at the bottom of this page.
- Email rates@stratford.govt.nz
- Mail your submission to the Stratford District Council, PO Box 320, Stratford 4352. Submissions should be addressed to:
Revenue Manager
Stratford District Council
P O Box 320
STRATFORD 4352
Submissions should be received by Council no later than Sunday 12 May 2024 at 4.00pm.
The Council will then convene a hearing, which it intends to hold on Tuesday 11 June 2024, at which time any party who wishes to do so can present their submission in person. Equal weight will be given to written and oral submissions.
The Council will permit parties to make oral submissions (without prior written material) or to make a late submission, only where it considers that special circumstances apply.
Every submission made to the Council will be acknowledged, copied and made available to the public, in accordance with the Local Government Act. Every submission will be heard in a meeting which is open to the public.
Section 82 of the Local Government Act sets out the obligations of the Council in regards to consultation and the Council will take all steps necessary to meet the spirit and intent of the law.