Consultation on Rates Postponement and Remissions Policy open

Invercargill City Council is inviting feedback on its Rates Postponement and Remissions Policy, while encouraging members of the community to explore the range of support options available.

Public consultation on Council’s Rates Postponement and Remissions Policy will open today.

Finance and Policy Committee chair Trish Boyle said it was important residents understood the different ways they could get support with their rates, including options that may be available before they reached a point of financial difficulty.

“Rates remission and deferral is just one tool available in the toolbox – there are a number of mechanisms that can provide relief to ratepayers experiencing financial hardship,” she said.

One of the proposed changes to Council’s postponement and remission policy would be to require those applying had first considered the Department of Internal Affairs’ Rates Rebates Scheme, which was administered locally by Council, she said.

Changes to income thresholds for the scheme in 2025 meant more households now qualified for assistance, including SuperGold cardholders. Residents who had not checked their eligibility recently were encouraged to do so, as they may be entitled to a rebate even if they had not qualified in the past, she said.

“The rising cost of living is a huge challenge for a growing number of households. Council has a number of supports available, and it is really important people know where to turn for help when they need it,” Boyle said.

Council Group Manager Corporate Services Patricia Christie said residents were encouraged to reach out to Council’s Rates team early, rather than waiting until their financial situation became more difficult.

“Our team can talk you through the options, help you understand what you may be eligible for, and work with you to identify the best next step for your circumstances. You don’t have to navigate the options on your own,” she said.

Council’s proposed changes to its Rates Postponement and Remissions Policy was open to public submissions until 5pm on 4 December.

To find out more and to make a submission visit letstalk.govt.nz