By Laura Michell
Whittlesea ratepayers will be able to apply for payment plans, and in serious cases, defer their rates payments under the council’s COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy.
The council will also triple the number of business mentoring sessions it offers to help local businesses navigate the pandemic, and has provided $50,000 to Whittlesea Community Connections to support its work.
The council’s coronavirus response plan was adopted by administrator Lydia Wilson at the April 7 council meeting – the first council meeting since Whittlesea’s councillors were sacked by the state government.
Ms Wilson said the plan was the first stage of the council’s support for residents and businesses, with more announcements to be made in due course.
“We understand that COVID-19 has caused significant emotional and financial stress across our community,” she said.
“It is our commitment to all residents and businesses in the City of Whittlesea to provide assistance during this unprecedented time.”
Ms Wilson said the COVID-19 financial hardship policy would be available to all individuals and businesses experiencing financial hardship due to coronavirus.
The policy removes penalties and costs that would otherwise be incurred under normal conditions, via an application process.
Ms Wilson said that in serious cases, the council will consider deferring rates payments, without incurring interest, until June 30, 2021.
“[The] policy rightfully goes beyond what we would normally do,” she said.
“This community has faced challenges before, such as the tragic Black Saturday Bushfires … the City of Whittlesea provided relief then; now, the community needs help from the City of Whittlesea once more. This time, however, council must go further in its financial support as it is unlikely that many people will go unaffected by COVID-19 in some way. Experts are saying we might not see the light at the end of a dark tunnel for some time yet.
“We can help those in our community who are struggling to meet the costs of day-to-day life now, without creating additional financial stress when the pandemic is over, and still deliver the services we are here to provide.”
Ms Wilson said the council had provided extra funding to Whittlesea Community Connections, to help it continue its frontline support for residents.
