Western Bay of Plenty District Council recognises that people may face difficulties paying their rates bill.
There are three options available:
1. spread the cost using automatic payment
2. rates postponement scheme
3. rates rebates
1. Spread the cost by automatic payment
You can spread your rates payments over the rating year, making regular payments by automatic payment. The automatic payment must be set up to clear the instalment balance by the due date to avoid a late payment penalty. More information about automatic payments.
2. Rates postponement scheme
Our rates postponement scheme gives home-owners aged 65 and over, the opportunity to stop paying rates for the rest of their lives.
Under the scheme, people have the option to postpone payment of all, or a portion of their rates, for a fixed or indefinite period. This is subject to the full cost of postponement being met by the ratepayer (i.e. interest charges and administrative costs) and the Council being satisfied that the risk of loss in any case is minimal.
3. Rates rebates
Rates rebates are intended to help low income ratepayers. The scheme is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs and local councils. A predetermined limit to the amount of rates that can be refunded as a rebate is set each year by the Department of Internal Affairs.
If you are entitled to a rebate you will pay a reduced amount on your local Council rates bill.
For more information please contact our Rates Team by telephone on 07 571 8008 (8.00am - 5.00pm, Monday - Friday) or email customerservice@westernbay.govt.nz