COUNCIL LOOKS TO STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL SUPPORT POLICIES

Published on 27 May 2025

GlenInnes_GIH_FINALS_LowRes119.jpg

At its May Ordinary Meeting, Glen Innes Severn Council resolved to adopt updated versions of the Rates Financial Hardship Policy, Rates Pensioner Concession Policy and Debt Recovery Policy as part of a scheduled review to ensure alignment with legislation and contemporary best practice.

In response to feedback received through Council’s Special Rate Variation (SRV) consultation, Mayor Margot Davis proposed—and Council endorsed—an amendment that reinforces Council’s commitment to supporting ratepayers facing financial stress, particularly pensioners and low-income households.

Council resolved to undertake a further review of the documents following the conclusion of the Shaping Tomorrow community engagement program for the proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV). The program concludes on 6 June.

The review will also consider the Capacity to Pay report, which is a requirement of any SRV application to NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) as well as the final decision by Council at the June Ordinary Council Meeting on the potential SRV application to IPART.

Council officers will then bring a report that considers options to minimise potential financial impacts on eligible ratepayers, including but not limited to:

  • A Council-funded supplementary rebate for pensioners
  • Establishment of a Pensioner SRV Hardship Offset Fund
  • Expanded eligibility criteria for concessions
  • Enhanced payment flexibility
  • Targeted communication and education

Mayor Margot Davis said, “As a regional centre with an ageing population and many households on low or fixed incomes, we must be especially mindful of the impact of any rate changes. Supporting our pensioners and lower-income residents isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential to ensuring Glen Innes Severn remains a welcoming, liveable place for all. If we want to retain and attract people to our community and grow our rates base sustainably, we need to make sure no one is left behind.”

Council also resolved that any future policy updates must:

  • Clearly outline support measures, including eligibility criteria and timeframes
  • Align with Council’s long-term financial planning and risk management strategies
  • Reflect community feedback received during the SRV consultation
  • Consider outcomes from the Capacity to Pay report
  • Be user-friendly, apply legislated minimum requirements and incorporate discretion in assessing hardship

Mayor Margot Davis added, “These steps are about listening, responding, and acting. We’ve heard loud and clear through our SRV engagement that many in our community—especially pensioners and lower-income households—are doing it tough. As Mayor, I am committed to delivering practical, targeted support that helps where it’s needed most.”

Tagged as:
Back to top