2026/27 FINANCIAL POLICIES · Report

SPECIAL MEETING                                                                        23 JUNE 2026


The General Rates and Charges Financial Hardship Policy provides Council with the ability to
provide concessions on interest for overdue rates and charges on the grounds of hardship in a
manner that is considered compassionate, equitable, transparent, responsive to the landowner’s
capacity to pay and financially responsible, having regard to Council obligation to maintain its
financial sustainability. Hardship may arise in situations such as loss of employment, family
breakdown, health issues, disaster, passing of family members, or other extenuating unforeseen
factors. Upon application, a ratepayer may be entitled for up to two years (depending on criteria)
interest free terms to establish a payment program on overdue rates.

The General Rates and Charges Financial Hardship Policy remains current with only the name of
the policy being changed.

H. General Rates and Charges Debt Management Recovery Policy
The General Rates and Charges Debt Management and Recovery Policy provides a structured and
transparent approach to the management and recovery of overdue rates and charges. The policy
ensures that Council exercises its rates and charges recovery powers in accordance with Chapter
4, Part 12 of the Regulation, in a manner that supports financial sustainability while promoting
fairness and consistency in debt recovery practices. The policy outlines the processes for identifying
and managing overdue accounts, the use of reminder notices and recovery actions, and the
circumstances under which payment arrangements, hardship provisions, or legal recovery may be
applied. Its purpose is to maximise the timely collection of revenue, minimise the level of outstanding
debt, and ensure all ratepayers are treated equitably and respectfully.

The General Rates and Charges Debt Management Recovery Policy remains current with only the
name of the policy being changed.

I. Management of Restricted Cash Policy
The Management of Restricted Cash Policy outlines the internal and external restricted cash
reserves required for cash management to ensure that Council can meet its regulatory requirements,
allocate funds for specific future projects and activities and ensure sufficient working capital is
available to meet current and long-term financial obligations.

The policy has been amended to reflect the intent of the Regulation with Special Rates and Charges
classified as Externally Restricted Cash and Separate Rates and Charges classified as internally
restricted cash.

Other Policies
In the development of the 2026/27 Budget, no changes have been made to the Financial Securities
Policy, Entertainment and Hospitality Expenditure Policy, Non-Current Asset Accounting Policy or
the Asset Management Policy. These policies remain current as adopted by Council at its Special
Meeting on 30 June 2025 and are submitted to Council for readoption.


Link to Corporate Plan
Theme No. 5 - Excellence
This theme focuses on customer experience, financial sustainability, innovation and technology,
levels of service, governance, our employees and volunteers, funding streams and asset
management practices.
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.