Source : Perth Now news
Fremantle council has endorsed a modernised financial hardship policy to help lighten the load for ratepayers battling through cost of living pressures.
Councillors voted unanimously to support the policy last week, enabling community members experiencing serious financial difficulties to avoid paying interest and instalment fees with their rates. The policy amendments also provide free financial counselling and support services for those who need it.
The city adopted an average rates increase of 5.5 per cent earlier this month as part of its 2026-27 budget process.
The financial hardship policy changes were introduced to reflect overwhelming public feedback that additional fiscal support measures were needed.
Councillor Melanie Clark said it was critical to relieve unnecessary financial strains on vulnerable people.
“I just feel that at a time when things are really financially difficult for some people, these considerations are something that can definitely help someone who’s finding things hard without additionally punishing them at a time when they’re experiencing genuine financial hardship,” she said.
“There are procedures in place which are really important to ascertain that the applicant is genuine in seeking this, and I’m also pleased there will be referral to financial counselling and that may help people to find other financial assistance through government that they possibly did not know about.”
Mayor Ben Lawver said the changes would help people who “need it the most”.
“People that are doing it tough, if we can ensure that they’re just focused on paying the rates and not the fees and charges associated with doing a payment plan, that could really help the folks,” he said.
An officer’s report said the city’s 2026-27 budget had considered the current global economic situation and ongoing cost of living pressures when recommending the amendments.
“Interest and instalment charges associated with the payment of rates were identified as a possible approach to relieving cost of living pressures for those experiencing financial hardship,” the report said.
“Elected members also flagged that better access to complimentary financial support services may also assist those experiencing financial duress as a result of current cost of living pressures.”
The report noted the potential for reduced budget revenues from fees collected for instalment charges, but said this would not affect the “materiality” of the city’s budget.
City officers confirmed the policy does not exist as a way to “write off” debt or support people who don’t need it.
“The city’s financial hardship policy exists to support ratepayers and debtors that due to exceptional circumstances may at times encounter difficulty in paying charges as they fall due,” the report said.
“This policy intends to ensure that the city offers fair, equitable, consistent and dignified support to ratepayers and debtors suffering financial hardship, while treating all members of the community with respect and understanding during times of difficulty.”
Sufficient evidence of financial hardship will be required to waive the instalment and interest charges.
