Meeting papers

ATTACHMENT 7 - RATES AND CHARGES FINANCIAL HARDSHIP POLICY



                                                                               Council Policy
                                                       RATES AND CHARGES
                                                 FINANCIAL HARDSHIP POLCY
 Corporate Plan Reference:                    Theme 5: Excellence
                                              Objective 5.2: Continue to deliver a financially sustainable
                                              Council that has the resources now and into the future to
                                              achieve its strategic objectives. This will be supported
                                              through the introduction of enhanced sustainability
                                              reporting and performance indicators, as well as ESG
                                              (environment social and governance) accounting
                                              practices as guided by statutory requirements

 Endorsed by Council:                         30 June 2025

 Policy Author:                               Revenue Services Manager


POLICY STATEMENT

The Local Government Regulation 2012 (the Regulation) empowers Noosa Shire Council (Council) to
provide concessions when the payment of rates or charges will cause financial hardship for the
landowner. Council recognises that sometimes, due to a variety of factors, property owners may face
financial problems that impact their ability to pay their rates and charges, and it seeks to support them
in these difficult times.

However, Council also acknowledges that granting concessions could adversely impact the provision
of Council’s services, burdening other ratepayers. Council will deal with applications for hardship
concessions in a way that is compassionate, equitable, transparent, responsive to the landowner’s
capacity to pay, and financially responsible having regard to Council’s obligation to maintain its financial
sustainability.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Rates and Charges Financial Hardship Policy (the Policy) is to explain how Council
provides financial assistance to landowners regarding rates and changes, where financial hardship is
proven to exist.

SCOPE

The Policy allows Council to consider and approve applications for financial assistance from landowners
who are experiencing financial hardship and as a result are unable to pay their rates and charges by
the due date.

REVIEW

The Policy will be reviewed annually for adoption as part of the annual budget.




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