Getting street-wise on rates rebates

31 March 2011

Waipa ratepayers can find out whether they are eligible for a rates rebate this year by visiting Waipa District Council information stands in Cambridge and Te Awamutu next week.

On Wednesday, April 6, a stand will be outside the Paper Plus store on Alexandra Street in Te Awamutu from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

On Thursday, April 7, a stand will be outside the BNZ bank on Victoria Street in Cambridge from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Waipa District Council administers the annual rates rebate scheme on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs. The scheme allows low income earners to apply for a rebate on their annual rates bill.

Waipa District Council's finance manager Kumaren Perumal said some people think the rebate is only for pensioners. But that is not the case.

It's surprising how many people don't realise they qualify to apply for a rebate. Any ratepayer on a low income, regardless of their age, may be eligible for a rebate. The criteria not only considers earnings, it also considers the number of dependants in a family, Mr Perumal said.

Rebates can be given up to a maximum amount of $570.

Three council revenue staff members will be at the stands each day to answer questions and help people find out whether they are eligible to apply for a rebate. They will have application forms on hand and will assist people to fill them in if necessary.

Mr Perumal said if people couldn't make it to the information stands, they should contact the council's revenue staff by phone during office hours or visit the council's website for more information. He said the government's rates rebate website was very good and had full eligibility criteria, a rebates calculator and application forms: www.ratesrebates.govt.nz

The closing date for rebate applications for the 2010/2011 rating year is June 30, 2011.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Jacqui Humm

Ph: 07 872 0062 or 027 532 1760

Email: jacqui.humm@waipadc.govt.nz