More time to pay rates

Hastings ratepayers have been given an extra two weeks to pay their rates bills without penalty, to help them adjust to a new quarterly rates payment scheme.

The new scheme means rates are spread over four instalments per year, instead of six under the previous system. This means each instalment will be larger, so ratepayers are receiving an unusually large rates bill this month.

Councillor Wayne Bradshaw, Chair of the Finance and Monitoring Committee, says even though the August 20 due date is fixed and has been advertised, many ratepayers received their increased bills only two weeks before the date.

“We understand this will put pressure on people who are working to tight budgets, but we want anyone who has concerns about being able to meet payment dates to contact our rates staff as early as possible. We can be flexible provided we have some payment arrangements in place.”

Though August 20 remains the due date, no late payment penalty will be applied to rates paid before September 3. Direct debits will be processed as usual on August 20.

“In the long run this is about saving ratepayers money by mailing out fewer notices. Unfortunately it does mean people suddenly see a larger bill in their mailbox, but we can work with them to make paying rates as simple as possible,” Mr Bradshaw says.

Ratepayers will get an additional week with no late penalties after the due date of November 20 for the next rates instalment, to assist with the transition.

“It is important to Council that we do all we can to assist our ratepayers in these difficult times.”

ENDS

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