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.

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.

Hardship applications

Financial Hardship applications have now closed for 2021/2022 rates notices. The application was open from 16 August 2021 until 31 October 2021.

If you did not complete a Financial Hardship Application during the opening dates and now are unable to pay your rates by the due date, contact the City's Rates team in-person at the City's Civic Centre (215 Wright Street, Cloverdale), via email at rates@belmont.wa.gov.au or via phone on 9477 7222. You may also apply for an alternative arrangement.

For more information about rates, read our FAQs.

Financial Hardship Policy

Read the 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.