Council assistance for those suffering hardship

To assist community members and small businesses facing financial challenges Warrumbungle Council has developed a Debt Recovery and Hardship Policy.

“Many people and small businesses in our community have suffered ongoing financial hardship due to years of drought, natural disasters such as fires and storms, and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Councillor Denis Todd. “Council recently adopted a new Debt Recovery and Hardship Policy to assist community members and small businesses through these financial challenges.”

“The policy defines the principles and guidelines that will apply to the recovery of unpaid rates and charges as well as unpaid debtor accounts. The Policy details the options available to ratepayers experiencing genuine financial hardship, and establishes guidelines for assessing financial hardship applications,” Cr Todd explained. 

The policy applies to all applications for alternative payment arrangements, writing off of rates, annual charges, fees or interest in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 (NSW).

Council is also offering flexible repayment plans and has frozen interest for rates, water, sewer and waste charges for local residents and businesses. 

“Shire residents and small businesses are encouraged to contact Council’s Finance Department and to seek assistance through local services if in financial difficulty. These services can be found on Council’s website under the COVID-19 Banner,” concluded Cr Todd. 

For more information, contact Council’s Rates Department on (02) 6378 5000. To view the Debt Recovery and Financial Hardship Policy visit www.warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au/our-council/policies
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Last Updated: 04 Jan 2024