Hardship Policy
The Financial Hardship Policy is intended to ensure that the City offers fair, equitable, consistent, and dignified support to ratepayers suffering hardship, while treating all members of the community with respect and understanding. Financial hardship may have occurred as a result of (but is not limited to) COVID-19.
Once you have read the Financial Hardship Policy below and you believe you meet the requirements, you may complete an application after Rate Notices have been issued on 16 August 2021.
The City may consider financial hardship relief using the information you provide at the time of application as evidence that you are currently affected. As each ratepayer’s situation is different, you may be asked to supply information unique to you to maximise our understanding of your situation. This will allow the City to confirm that you meet the requirements of the Council Policy so that we can offer you some assistance.
For a smooth process, it is appreciated if all relevant information is received at the time of application.
Submit an Application
Applications are to be made on an annual basis and only valid for that respective financial year. Applications for the 2021-2022 Rates Notice are to be received by 31 October 2021.
If you have any queries, please contact the City’s Rates team on 9477 7222 to discuss prior to completing the application.
Applications with the required supporting documents can be submitted in the following ways:
Apply using a paper-based form
Paper-based forms and supporting documentation may be provided to the City via email to
rates@belmont.wa.gov.au or via post to
City of Belmont,
Locked Bag 379,
Cloverdale WA 6985
If sending via post, please be aware of potential Australia Post delivery delays.
You can also access the paper-based form at the City’s Civic Centre, 215 Wright Street, Cloverdale.
The City will respond to your application within 10 working days. If you are requested to provide further information, you will be advised accordingly.
All information received is confidential and will be used only for this application process.
Arrangements made via this Policy are required to be set up using the City’s Direct debit process. Payments are on Fridays only - weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. (If monthly please chose the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or last Friday of the month depending on your pay cycle).
Financial Hardship Policy
Policy Objective
To give effect to Council’s commitment to support ratepayers to meet the challenges arising from financial hardship.
This Policy is intended to ensure that the City offers fair, equitable, consistent and dignified support to ratepayers suffering hardship, while treating all members of the community with respect and understanding. Financial hardship may have occurred as a result of (but is not limited to) COVID-19.
Policy Statement
Financial hardship occurs where a person is unable to pay rates and service charges without affecting their ability to meet their basic living needs, or the basic living needs of their dependants.
This policy is intended to apply to all ratepayers experiencing financial hardship.
Policy Detail
Application of Policy:
This policy has precedence over
BEXB7.4 Collection of Rates.
Eligibility:
Eligible ratepayers are ratepayers suffering financial hardship.
Evidence of Financial Hardship:
While evidence of hardship will be required, the City recognises that not all circumstances are alike. The City will take a flexible approach to a range of individual circumstances including, but not limited to, the following situations:
- Current unemployment or under-employment
- sickness or recovery from sickness
- low income or loss of income
- unanticipated circumstances such as caring for and supporting extended family.
Possible evidence required may include:
- Individuals (i.e. residential) - Evidence Jobkeeper allowances are currently being received for an extended period (i.e. 3 months or more).
- Companies and other entities (i.e. commercial and industrial) - Evidence by way of recent Business Activity Statement returns that evidences a loss of income of at least 50% over a quarter.
Effects:
For ratepayers eligible under the criteria outlined above the Chief Executive Officer should consider the following mechanisms to assist the applicant:
- No interest on outstanding rates for the respective financial year.
- No interest charged on outstanding Emergency Services Levy if in accordance with State Government guidance.
- No additional charge (including by way of interest) charged for payments by instalments or payment arrangements.
- Payment terms extended -for rates and charges as included on the Rate Notice with the final payment due by the issue date of the following rating year.