Rebates "streamlined" this year for Masterton ratepayers are already closing on the $100,000 mark within a week of starting, despite a shaky start for some.
The Rates Rebate Scheme was established in 1973 to provide a subsidy to low-income homeowners on the cost of their rates.
John Wynne, Masterton District Council revenue
accountant, said 1200 Masterton ratepayers were granted more than $500,000 in rebates last year, making the district one of the most successful in New Zealand for uptake under the scheme.
He said that since August 1, when the scheme for the new rating year started, there has been about $80,000 worth of rebates granted to 260 Masterton ratepayers.
"We've been seeing about 50 to 60 rebate applicants every day since last week. We were proactive regarding rates rebates over the past 12 months and have streamlined our systems to keep it that way for the coming 12 months as well."
Mr Wynne said a maximum rebate of $500 is "almost guaranteed" for ratepayers earning under $20,000 a year and pro rata up to the maximum for ratepayers earning from $20,000 to $26,500 a year.
"Last year we undertook a successful advertising campaign and we learnt a lot because it was the first time the scheme had run. We would like to repeat the success we managed last year and feel we're moving in that direction already."
Masterton ratepayer Dahliah Mellor-Wilson, who pays her rates by direct debit, said she was surprised the increased amount was taken without notification from her bank account although "council told me it was advertised in the paper and on the radio".
"I went in to see them about it and they told me there were other ratepayers reporting the same thing and there were quite a few complaints," Ms Mellor-Wilson said.
Mr Wynne said there are now 25 per cent of Masterton ratepayers using a direct debit system of payment. He said the first year of the scheme had exposed system faults but these have been corrected.
Mr Wynne said any Masterton ratepayers wanting to apply for a rates rebate should call the scheme helpdesk at 378-9666.
