Council apologises for confusion around rates penalties

Statement from Regional Council chief executive James Palmer

We would like to correct the wording on the front of the invoice that has been sent to ratepayers this week for the year 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.

On the front of the invoice is a reminder to pay your rate by 20 September to avoid late fees. 

Our due date for invoices is 20 September, however a 10% penalty won’t be applied to outstanding invoices until 1 February, 2021.

Mr Palmer would like to apologise for confusion this error has caused ratepayers.

Originally a penalty would have been applied from 21 September this year, but in recognition of the impacts of COVID-19 and the drought, the Council reverted back to 1 February as per previous years.

This policy change was reflected in the rates newsletter, but not in the reminder and the wrong penalty date was included on the back page of the emailed invoices.

In addition the Council has not increased the rates revenue for 2020-21 in response to the financial impact that COVID-19 and the drought is having on the community.

The  rating year hasn’t changed, and the invoice is for the full rating year from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.

People who are experiencing financial difficulty can contact the rates team and organise a payment plan.

The Council’s friendly rates team are available on 06 835 2955 or on email rates@hbrc.govt.nz.

27 August 2020

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