Are you struggling to pay your rates?

19 October 2009

Auckland City Council is offering a variety of options to help people pay their rates if they are in difficult circumstances this year.

Ratepayers who choose to pay their rates by instalments will be receiving their next rates pack soon. Information will be included on the different rebate and remission schemes available.

Chairperson of the Finance and Strategy Committee, Councillor Douglas Armstrong, encourages people who are struggling to see if they are eligible for financial assistance.

"We understand how tough the current economic climate can be on and we want people to know there is help available," he says.

The council can help in several ways.

These include:

• Rates rebate - for those on a low income.
• Rates postponement - where rates can be postponed for an agreed period to help those who are struggling now.
• Rates remissions - where the council may write off part or all of the rates of some landowners if certain criteria are met.
• Remission of rates penalties - we can waive all or part of rates penalties for a range of circumstances.

For more information, phone 379 2025 or visit the Property and rates in Auckland city section.