CHANGES to the rates policy of the city are on the cards since the Revenue Management Unit has proposed significant changes to the policy for the 2019/2020 financial year which begins on 1 July.
Some of the possible amendments to the 2019/2020 policy could be the inclusion of hospice facilities for rates exemptions.
A hospice is defined as an organisation which takes care of patients in the final stages of their lives.
Another change is the definition of vacant land to “a rateable property where no immovable improvements have been erected.”
Other changes include the inclusion of “mining property” within the categories of rateable property.
The policy, published for public comment, is due to be approved and adopted by the council is it passes the public feedback stage.
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The public had until the end of January to provide feedback after which the policy was due to be reviewed and, if necessary, amended.
This has now been the eleventh review of the original policy adopted by Council in 2008 in compliance with the Act.
Head of Revenue Management, Peet du Plessis, said: “Public participation is very important as these are important changes that affect our residents and also property owners. The rates policy gives clear guidance on the rating process and answers many of the questions that the public may have.”
Another issue which the city has wanted to make clear is the rule on rates rebates for people who have suffered damage to their property by natural disasters.
In terms of the tariffs 2018/2019 tables under the section, 1.2.6.9 Natural and other disasters, “on application and approval a temporary rebate of 75 per cent can be granted in respect of property damaged by the disaster for a period of six months or a portion thereof.”
However, according to the report on the City’s website dated 28 January, “property owners whose property was damaged by natural or other disasters and require revalue (sic) must apply within 60 days after the disaster occurred. Importantly, rebates will not be granted if the damage was caused by arson.”
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