Mayoral candidate Chris Whiting has urged Council to go ahead and decide to adopt a Rates Hardship Policy for residents experiencing hardship in meeting their rates bill.
Cr Whiting committed on 9 October to bring in a Hardship Tribunal if elected Mayor. Council decided yesterday to investigate a Hardship Policy.
“I’m glad Council has come around to agreeing with me about the need for a Hardship Policy,” Cr Whiting said.
“But they need to make decision on it and commit to actually doing it.
“Many residents are doing it tough and if they have a genuine reason why they currently cannot meet their rates bill commitment, we need to hear it.
“It is not about people avoiding paying their rates. It is about Council being compassionate.
“I want to congratulate the Ratepayers Action Group who first raised this suggestion, and got the Mayor to finally agree to this proposal, ” Cr Whiting said.
