2026/27 FINANCIAL POLICIES · Attachment 4 - Revenue Policy

Attachment 4 – Revenue Policy

    •   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



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