by Michaela Meade
The amount of money Hume residents owe to council has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but council will not be waiving any rates.
At a council meeting this week, a report on rate arrears was tabled which revealed the total value of outstanding rates was $38.16 million as at September 30, 2021.
According to the report, this was an increase on the previous year, with a total rate value of $36.53 million outstanding, as at September 30, 2020.
The report also revealed the number of households in the municipality with COVID-19 pandemic payment arrangements.
Craigieburn had the highest number, with 549 arrangements still active.
Mickleham (252), Sunbury (231), Greenvale (208) and Roxburgh Park (155) were also in the top five suburbs for the arrangement.
Despite the hardships endured by the Hume community over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Carly Moore said the council would provide flexible payment options for residents, not waivers.
“Council has implemented a range of relief initiatives to support our community during this challenging time as part of its $11.5 million COVID-19 Stimulus Package,” Cr Moore said.
“Council’s support has included flexible payment arrangement options, an interest freeze on outstanding rates balances since March 1, 2020 and a $50 rates waiver for approximately 50,000 eligible residential and rural ratepayers on their primary residences in 2020/21.”
Cr Moore said the council also offered a deferral of rates to a later payment date for struggling residents.
“We encourage residents and businesses to contact us directly to discuss how we can support them,” she said.
“Council will continue to review and consider any further measures that will continue to support our community, particularly as we head towards economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
It comes as neighbouring council, Whittlesea, earlier this month adopted further fee waivers for the community, incurring a loss of more than $450,000 in the 2021-22 financial year.
