Meeting papers

   •   sustainability in revenue decisions, by responding to changes in the economy and
       that support financial strategies and services
   •   (where appropriate) competitive neutrality and promotion of effective competition,
       as contemplated by the National Competition Policy legislation, where it will
       enhance community welfare.

Supplementary Notices

Where the use made of a particular parcel of land varies (e.g., reconfiguration, or vacant
land has a building constructed thereon), or a change of valuation is received from the
Department of Resources, rates and charges will be amended, and a supplementary rate
notice will be issued or confirmation provided in writing (either by email or letter) of revised
due amounts.

Interest on Arrears

It is Council policy to ensure that the interests of all ratepayers are protected by
discouraging the avoidance of responsibilities for the payment of rates and charges debts.
Council will therefore impose an interest rate up to the maximum rate of interest permitted
by the Regulation on all outstanding rates and charges. Interest will be applied from the
day the rates or charges become overdue (including those assessments where an
instalment or deferred payment plan has been negotiated) and will be calculated on daily
rests.

The Purpose of and Granting of Concessions for Rates and Charges

Council has determined that pensioners as defined by the Regulation are entitled to
receive concessions on rates and various other services that Council provides to the
community. Council may grant a concession for land that is owned by a pensioner, under
section 120(1) (a) of the Regulation. The purpose of the concessions for pensioners is to
assist pensioner property owners to remain in their own home by reducing the financial
impact of rates and charges.

In accordance with section 120(1) (b) of the Regulation and Council’s General Rate
Concessions Policy, charitable organisations and community organisations may also be
entitled to concessions.

The purpose of these concessions is to encourage and support not for profit organisations,
including community groups and sporting associations, as they contribute to the health and
well-being of the community and the social cohesion of the shire.

In exercising these concession powers Council will be guided by the principles of:
   •   equity and consistency, by ensuring that all applicants of the same type receive the
       same concession
   •   transparency and clarity, by making clear the requirements necessary to receive
       concessions
   •   simplicity of the framework to understand and administer
   •   fiscal responsibility to ensure the value of concessions does not unnecessarily
       burden other ratepayers
   •   flexibility to allow Council to respond to economic conditions
   •   sustainability of revenue decisions that support financial strategies and he delivery



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