The policy is reviewed and amended if necessary and subsequently published for public comment.
Thereafter it is approved or adopted by the city council before the new financial year on 1 July. The proposed policy was published last year and the public has until the end of January to provide feedback. This is the 11th 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 the public may have.”
Some of the amendments to the 2019/2020 policy includes the inclusion of Hospice facilities where an organisation takes care of patients in the final stages of their lives and may be exempt from rates. The definition of vacant land has also changed to ‘a rateable property where no immovable improvements have been erected’. Other changes govern the inclusion of ‘mining property’ within the categories of rateable property.
Property owners whose property was damaged by natural or other disasters and require revaluing must apply within 60 days after the disaster occurred. Importantly, rebates will not be granted if the damage was caused by arson. The policy can be found on www.durban.gov.za
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