The COVID-19 Pandemic Rates and Charges Hardship Policy (C81)
This initiative of Council is to provide support to residents and businesses in the Shire who may be affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. It aims to make allowances for those who need assistance with rates and charges.

Where this policy differs to that existing policy for rates and hardship (policy C53), is in the inclusion of the business community and by the need to not have financial circumstances verified by a financial advisor. It also only applies to the 2019/2020 financial year and does not have any bearing on those residents or businesses that are currently already working through the recovery of unpaid charges with Council. Council is applying this policy under section 171 of the Local Government Act. That clause states, “Council may waive, in whole or part, any payment due on the grounds of hardship”.