Media Response – rates in arrears

Published on 30 September 2022

Query from the ABC

In the lead up to the state election in November, I’ve been looking into issues that are impacting Melbourne’s suburban areas. From my conversations so far, it’s clear the cost of living is one of the primary issues people living in most councils are facing. That rising cost of living, I’ve heard, has been noticed in an increasing number of councils seeing rising rates in arrears and the amount people owe.

How much are you owed in rates in arrears now?

What was that figure at the end of financial year 2018/19?

How many applications have you received for hardship payment plans since the start of the pandemic?

Response

Monash Council has the lowest rates for any council in the State on a per capita basis.

We believe Monash was the only Council to provide a 10 per cent waiver on 2020/21 rates for all ratepayers, including businesses, right across the municipality due to the impact of COVID. This waiver applied to all 81,319 ratepayers in Monash at a cost to Council of around $12.7M.

How much are you owed in rates in arrears now?

What was that figure at the end of financial year 2018/19?

As at 30 June, 2022 Council had $9.7m rates in arrears, compared to $4.9m at 30 June 2019. Those arrears were down to $8.6m at the end of August 2022.

How many applications have you received for hardship payment plans since the start of the pandemic?

Since 1 July 2019, Council has received 1,426 hardship payment plan applications with 1,411 related to COVID hardship.

Issued: 21 September 2022
To: ABC Melbourne
Quoting: Mayor Stuart James