Unlevied Rates

Press, Volume C, Issue 29602, 26 August 1961, Page 3

Unlevied Rates

Sir,—Having built several houses for myself. I have found that rating does not commence immediately on possession. An official comes round several months later, takes measurements, assesses the value. The following March (anything up to a year after possession) a rate demand, which covers the next 12 months, is received. For every thousand houses built, on which rates are not collected fbr six months, the loss to the council at £3O per annum, would be £15.000. The loss on more expensive houses and on business premises must be terrific. Yet the council increases rates to a long-suf-fering public. It should be imperative for a builder, on completion of a job, to notify the City Council, giving date of completion and other necessary information. Rates could be assessed, and a demand sent out immediately.— Yours, etc., REVEILLE, Sumner, August 8, 1961. [The Acting-Town Clerk (Mr C. S. Bowie) replies: “The City Council has no power to rate additional improvements added to any property after March 31 for the ensuing year’s rates. The relative sub-section of the Valuation of Land Act. 1951, reads as follows: ‘(b) Every rate levied by the local authority in any year shall be levied in accordance with the values appearing in the roll as corrected from the district valuation roll up to the thirtyfirst day of March next preceding the date of the levy, and the rate shall not be affected by any alteration in value during the year.' "I