Bass Coast Shire Council adopted a COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy at its May meeting, in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hardship Policy is linked to the recently adopted Bass Coast Business and Community Response and Recovery Package and will help impacted ratepayers cope with additional financial burdens caused by the pandemic.
Impacted residential ratepayers and businesses, including businesses that lease their premises, will be able to apply for an interest-free deferral of the fourth instalment of their 2019/20 rates and the first instalment of their 2020/21 rates, until 30 June 2021.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said the Hardship Policy further demonstrates Council’s efforts to support those in the community who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This Policy, together with the Business and Community Response and Recovery Package, is aimed at helping the Bass Coast community recover from the impacts of the pandemic,” Cr Tessari said.
“Over the last few months, we have seen our local economy almost come to a standstill, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. This has, and will continue to, cause high levels of financial uncertainty in the community.
“It is anticipated that thousands of Australians will be out of work as a result of the pandemic. Council rates are one of the largest bills that households receive, so there is an obligation for Councils to make a contribution to the recovery and support effort.
