Draft Rates Remission Policy
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Introduction
We've reviewed our Rates Remission Policy and are now seeking community feedback on the draft policy.
Our Rates Remission Policy is a mechanism we use to make the application of rates fairer for the community. It acts as a form of financial assistance and support; reducing the amount paid in rates by particular ratepayers.
The Policy has been prepared under Sections 102 and 109 of the Local Government Act 2002.
Why does the Council have a Rates Remission 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.
The Rates Remission Policy is prepared under Sections 102 and 109 of the Local Government Act 2002, and is a mechanism the Council uses to make the application of rates fairer for the community. It is a form of financial assistance and support for particular ratepayers, and addresses all areas of the four wellbeings – Economic, Cultural, Social, and Environmental.
Why is the Council reviewing the Rates Remission Policy?
Council process calls for a review of policies on a three (3) yearly basis – The Rates Remission Policy was last Reviewed in 2022.
What is the Council proposing in this review of the Rates Remission Policy?
The current Rates Remission Policy is Sound in its current form, however key changes recommended are as follows:
1. Remission on Rates Penalties
- Removal of the following wording: “Covid 19 Lockdown or isolation as an example of a circumstance outside a ratepayers control that made the ratepayer unable to pay rates on time.”
- Addition of the following wording:
- “The Council, and officers with the appropriate delegated authority may remit up to 100% of the penalties (or other figure) charged to a property, where a property has sold, and a settlement request has been received by council from a Solicitor prior to a Rates Instalment Due date.”
- The proposal will reduce administration costs on low risk late payments.
2. Remission of Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) on Low Value Residential Properties.
- Increase Capital Value of Low Value Residential Properties from $10,000 to $15,000, as a result of the 2023 rating valuation.
3. Remission for forestry properties for the Roading Targeted Rate (not adopted)
- Elected members considered proposals to provide rates remission of up to 100% of Roading Targeted Rate – Forestry to ratepayers who either had:
- forestry for carbon credits,
- did not have road access from their property to an SDC owned road, or
- had a harvesting rotation of more than 50 years.
- The proposals were not approved in the draft policy by elected members.
What must the Council consider when reviewing the Rates Remission Policy?
Section 102 of the Local Government Act 2002 provides that a local authority may adopt a Rates Remission Policy. Council’s own processes call for a review of policies on a three (3) yearly basis. However, Section 109 of the Act requires that the Policy must be reviewed at least once every 6 years. This Policy was last reviewed by Council in 2022.
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.
A potential increase to the Rates Remissions figures has not been taken into account in the Long Term Plan 2024-34. However, the changes are not expected to have a significant impact on Council’s net surplus or deficit.
Where do I get copies of the Rates Remission 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.