Debt Management and Financial Hardship Policy Review

Consultation has concluded

Council has reviewed and updated our Debt Management and Financial Hardship Policy. This applies to any person or organisation owing rates, charges, fees or other debts to Council.

The purpose of this Policy is to:

  • Ensure consistency, fairness, integrity and confidentiality in the management and recovery of debt for both the ratepayer / debtor and the Council
  • Establish the framework and circumstances in which relief may be provided in cases of genuine financial hardship. While Council will not reduce or waive rates, Council will be empathetic and helpful in the consideration of alternative approaches
  • Assist Council fulfil the statutory requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 with respect to the recovery of rates and annual charges, and any other debts, and
  • Maximise collections of outstanding debts and to optimise Council’s cash flow.

Have your say

We are seeking feedback from our community on our Debt Management and Financial Hardship Policy. You can share your feedback until Tuesday 1 August 2023:

  • Online by taking the survey below
  • Email to Cherie Muir, Head of Financial Operations at cmuir@ssc.nsw.gov.au
  • In Writing to Sutherland Shire Council, Finance Team, Locked Bag 17, Sutherland 1499.

Next steps

Following community consultation, Council will review and consider all feedback. Some changes may be made to the Policy. It will then be finalised and reported to Council for adoption. We will keep interested members of the community updated.

Council has reviewed and updated our Debt Management and Financial Hardship Policy. This applies to any person or organisation owing rates, charges, fees or other debts to Council.

The purpose of this Policy is to:

  • Ensure consistency, fairness, integrity and confidentiality in the management and recovery of debt for both the ratepayer / debtor and the Council
  • Establish the framework and circumstances in which relief may be provided in cases of genuine financial hardship. While Council will not reduce or waive rates, Council will be empathetic and helpful in the consideration of alternative approaches
  • Assist Council fulfil the statutory requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 with respect to the recovery of rates and annual charges, and any other debts, and
  • Maximise collections of outstanding debts and to optimise Council’s cash flow.

Have your say

We are seeking feedback from our community on our Debt Management and Financial Hardship Policy. You can share your feedback until Tuesday 1 August 2023:

  • Online by taking the survey below
  • Email to Cherie Muir, Head of Financial Operations at cmuir@ssc.nsw.gov.au
  • In Writing to Sutherland Shire Council, Finance Team, Locked Bag 17, Sutherland 1499.

Next steps

Following community consultation, Council will review and consider all feedback. Some changes may be made to the Policy. It will then be finalised and reported to Council for adoption. We will keep interested members of the community updated.