#50days50ways - #16 - Fighting for fair in our rates system
9 News Gold Coast and journo Gracie Richter reported on proposed changes to Council rates last night, after the Gold Coast Bulletin broke the story via Paul Weston earlier this week.
I’m keen to continue fighting for fair in our rates system. I have a god understanding of the categories and differential rate system, that apportions rates according to land valuation and delivers some certainty and leniency to ratepayers in varying circumstances.
My commitment to this issue is two fold;
First, that all Councillors should participate in debate about what is the best structure and most fair for the broadest number of ratepayers. We should not simply make a decision based on an election commitment of the Mayor.
Secondly, we should try to provide some relief for the most vulnerable in our community, those who might be least able to pay on time, due to the cost of living crisis heavily reported in the media. If that comes at a small cost to those more able to pay on time, who may not simply for convenience or cashflow reasons, then we should explore what that looks like, together.
Here’s an excerpt of my full quote;
“What is particularly interesting is that over 88 per cent of people pay their water bills on time, even though there’s no discount. That’s more than the 85 per cent who use the property rates discount.
“Frankly, that tells us that the discount really is a furphy and Gold Coast ratepayers are smart and savvy, regardless of any incentive we might offer. Perhaps we should just simplify and save on administration costs.”
Council reports show the whole of City discount take up rate was sitting at 84.92 per cent for the July rates issue.
This means that of the 281,000 ratepayers, about 238,625 properties achieve the pay on time discount.
“Just over 40,000 ratepayers, possibly some of those most vulnerable who cannot pay on time, stand to gain by a compassionate review of the discount. That seems kind to me in this current climate,” Cr Tozer said.”
An excerpt from the Gold Coast Bulletin