Is your council in a position to provide financial assistance to residents and ratepayers in a timely manner, in reliance upon its existing scheme of delegations?

27 March 2020

We are receiving an increasing number of requests for advice about the ability of the CEO, relying upon delegated powers, to provide financial assistance and support to residents and ratepayers. The requests relate to the provision of assistance by way of discretionary rate rebates, the remission of fines for rates in arrears, the remission and postponement of rates and the power to deal with financial relief in respect of leases for sporting clubs, community organisations and other not-for-profits and for some commercial leases.

Many councils are wishing to position themselves to enable such matters to be considered in a timely manner. This is particularly in the current circumstances we are experiencing where a number of community members are in unexpected financial difficulties. The objective, of course, being to avoid the delays involved in these matters being required to be presented to, considered at and determined in formal council meetings.

If you require any assistance, including by way of review of your council’s present agility to respond to such requests in a timely, efficient and effective manner, please contact Tracy Riddle on 08 8113 7106 or triddle@kelledyjones.com.au; Michael Kelledy on 08 8113 7103 or mkelledy@kelledyjones.com.au; or Natasha Jones on 08 8113 7102 or njones@kelledyjones.com.au.