Rates and Charges Financial Hardship Policy
Council policies are regularly reviewed as part of our governance processes.
The “Rates and Charges Financial Hardship Policy” has been reviewed and, as the policy effects the public, is available for community feedback.
The Policy, first implemented in 2003, outlines Council’s commitment to providing a range of financial assistance options with respect to rates and charges as allowable under the Local Government Act 1989 and Local Government Amendment Act 2022. Options for such rate relief due to financial hardship include payment arrangements, deferment or a waiver rates and charges.
How you can be involved
You can review the DRAFT Rates and Charges Financial Hardship Policy (found on the right hand side of this page) and leave your feedback below.
Consultation is open until 5.00pm Friday 20 February 2026.
Alternatively, you can email your feedback to council@mansfield.vic.gov.au or deliver a written submission via post or in person.
A hard copy of the DRAFT Policy is available to view at the Council Municipal Office at 33 Highett St Mansfield.
How we will use your feedback
Your feedback will be used to inform further development of the Policy prior to its presentation to Council for adoption.
Feedback
As a Financial Counsellor of over 22 years standing, there are many positives to note in the draft policy:
- case by case basis
- waivers of rates possible
- inclusion of family violence in criteria
- referrals to Financial Counsellor & the input of their assessment of the ratepayer's situation
- no timeframe (helps relieve pressure at stressful times)
- waiver of interest & legal costs; deferment; payment plans - all useful tools.
- I believe the policy is worded to assist those who cannot pay rather than those who won't pay.
- looking to help those in hardship rather than a punitive approach.
- reflects well on the Victorian Ombudsman's 2021 report.
How is the following assessed:
a) The payment of the rates and charges would cause hardship to the person (Section 170 of the Act).
b) Financial hardship should relate to what may be considered reasonable and consistent financial management relating to an average individual or family household operation. ?
There is no mention of episodic versus ongoing financial hardship?
