$1.5m rates relief for Shore
January 10 2007

More than 3000 North Shore City ratepayers have received rebates on their rates bills totalling almost $1.5 million.

North Shore City Council actively promoted the revised government scheme from last July, helping 3137 ratepayers get an annual rebate of up to $500 each.

Financial services manager John McLaren says the council is still processing applications although demand has slowed to a trickle.

“We feel we’ve assisted most eligible candidates although people have until June 30 to apply. We want to hear from them,” he says.

The income threshold to qualify for a rebate varies depending on individual situations – information on whether residents qualify can be obtained from the council’s website - www.northshorecity.govt.nz – or 24 hour call centre on 486 8600.

North Shore City Council has promoted the rates rebate scheme online and directly to ratepayers through its newsletter North Shore City News, which featured a pamphlet on the scheme. It has also displayed posters at high profile community facilities such as libraries and area offices.

The council’s finance team dedicated staff to assisting ratepayers who had been visiting its offices at a rate of about 100 people a day while the communications programme was at its peak.

North Shore City’s strategic management committee chairman Gary Holmes says the rebate scheme aims to ease the rates burden on superannuitants and low income families.

Councillor Holmes says last year’s figures dwarf the 2005 statistics under the previous government scheme.

“During the previous year, only 329 rebates were approved to a total value of $63,209.

"Under the new scheme, the income threshold is higher than some people think. Council officers report that the highest income level passed to the DIA for approval is $41,000 p.a. with annual rates of $4,189," he says.

ENDS

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