IMPOST ON UNPAID RATES

Taranaki Daily News, 10 March 1932, Page 6

IMPOST ON UNPAID RATES

LOCAL BODIES’ DISCRETION THE PROVISION NOT MANDATORY. “NO CHOICE AFTER ADVERTISING.” EXPLANATION IN PARLIAMENT. ■ By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night.' The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) was asked in the House of Representatives this afternoon by Mr. A. Harris (Co., Waitemata) associated with Mr. A. M. Samuel (Co., Thames) whether he could this session introduce an amendment to the Rating Act giving local authorities discretionary power regarding the imposition of the 10 per cent, penalty on rates in arrears.

Mr. Harris said in cases of hardship arising out of the depression many local bodies desired to extend leniency to ratepayers but could not do so owing to the provision of the Act being mandatory. Mr. Forbes replied, that the Act authorised local authorities to add 10 per cent, to unpaid rates, but that did not impose any obligation on them to do so. Any local body could therefore refrain from adding the penalty for such period gs was considered reasonable. The Government was prepared to consider making provision along the lines suggested if representations were made by the Counties’ Association, the Municipal Association and other similar bodies. •

Mr. Harris: “Local bodies have to advertise that the penalty will come into operation in a certain period and there is no discretionary power once they have advertised.”

The Prime Minister said he would; look into that aspect. I'