First rates notices for 2011-12 year sent out

2 August 2011

Around 19,500 rates notices will be delivered to letterboxes across the district this week.

The notices will include the rates assessed on individual properties by Waipa District Council for the 2011/12 financial year and the first quarterly instalment invoice.

The due date for the first instalment is 21 August but as it is a Sunday people will have until 5pm on Monday, August 22 to make payment. Finance Manager Kumaren Perumal said anyone who pays their annual rates in full before then will receive a five percent discount.

The discount date for rates operates the same as for power discounts and is not flexible so please pay early to avoid disappointment, he said.

Direct debit payment plans are available for those who would prefer to spread the cost over the year. These include weekly, fortnightly or monthly options at no additional cost and are designed to fit in with ratepayers budgets.

Mr Perumal says two of the most frequently asked questions at this time of the year are:

1. My property has sold but I have received an Invoice.

This sometimes can be due to the time frame of the sale and download of Invoice or Council may not have received notification of the sale from the Solicitors and this will require follow up.

2. I have not received my Invoice:

Your address may have changed and notification has gone astray. Please check the postal address that Council has listed for you.

Waipa District Council will continue to administer the Rates Rebate Scheme on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs. Further information will be available from the council offices mid-September and application forms will be mailed to all previous applicants.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Nairne

Senior Communications Advisor

Ph: 07 872 0062 or 027 532 1760

Email: lisa.nairne@waipadc.govt.nz