The Tasmanian Government has announced it is working to ease cost of living pressures, with councils rates discounts now being offered to eligible residents.
Minister for Local Government, Nic Street said the government recognised that the rising cost of living was hitting the hip-pocket of everyday Tasmanians.
“Even more so, it is disproportionately affecting those on low and fixed incomes, so we encourage you to take advantage of the substantial rates discounts on offer if you are eligible,” Minister Street said.
A 30% reduction on local government rates and charges (capped at a maximum amount each year) is now available to Tasmanians who hold one of the following cards on July 1 of each year:
- Current Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card;
- Current Services Australia Health Care Card (but not a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card); or
- DVA Health Card – All Conditions (“Gold Card”) inscribed with ‘TPI’ or ‘War Widow’, ‘War Widower’.
The card-holder must be legally responsible for the rates on the property and it must be the card-holder’s main residence. In the case of joint ownership, at least one of the owners must meet the eligibility criteria. There is a limit of one discount per year, per household.
Tasmanians who had previously received and were still eligible to receive a discount need not re-apply unless their circumstances have changed, the Minister said. These altered circumstances can include a change to a person’s principal place of residence or becoming ineligible to receive a concession. In these events, the individual should contact Council immediately to advise of any change to eligibility.
Applications must be lodged with your local Council before 31 March of the relevant financial year, and are assessed by the Department of Treasury and Finance.
