Rate increases

Press, 30 August 1985, Page 16

Rate increases

Sir,—Like thousands of ratepayers, I am concerned by the huge increase in rates. This can be particularly hard on single superannuitants living in a house or ownership flat,l;l mention single

superannuitants because the rates they have to pay have to come out of one income, whether it be the Government pension alone or with a small subsidiary pension. I know there are many cases of similar hardship in other areas of society, but I feel the case in point receives little attention. Where is such a person to go if rates become impossibly high? Selling an old home does not solve the problem, as one would need another ?20,000 or so to buy a flat, and the same person would have too much money to qualify for a council pensioner flat, and a non-driver cannot invest in an expensive car to reduce the capital. Council advice would be appreciated. — Yours, etc., M. LODGE.

August 19, 1985, [The General Manager and Town Clerk of Christchurch, J\lr J. H.Gray,' replies: “There are two avenues open to ratepayers in the category of your correspondent, namely the rates rebate scheme whereby rebates of up to ?200 are available, or the council’s policy of granting postponement of rates for elderly ratepayers who are suffering hardship. It is recommended that your correspondent contact the rates department at the civic offices to ascertain eligibility for assistance from either of these sources.”]