Whanganui rates rebate still available for those who missed application during lockdown

A Whanganui ratepayer was disappointed with the council's communications on rebate applications during the Covid-19 lockdown phase. Photo / Bevan Conley

A Whanganui pensioner has raised concerns about council rates rebate applications during the Covid-19 level 4 lockdown.

Whanganui District Council says that anyone who didn't apply during lockdown can still do so.

Gonville resident Alan Beamsley said he was charged $230 for the month of September when he would have paid only $156 with the rebate.

"The money was deducted from my account by automatic payment and it was an amount I can ill-afford on a pension."

In early September Whanganui District Council chief financial officer, Mike Fermor advised that the due date for the first rate instalment of 2021-22 rates would be extended by a week due to the lockdown.

Ratepayers who wished to apply for a rebate were advised that they could do so online or call the council to schedule an appointment.

"I don't use a computer and because the council office was closed, I didn't think I would be able to contact them for an appointment," Beamsley said.

"I wonder how many other pensioners fall into this category?"

The council had since reimbursed Beamsley for the difference of the instalment amount and the amount for future direct payments had been adjusted.

"I'm glad it's been fixed now but when you have to budget on a limited amount each month it doesn't make things easy."

In the statement, the council said ratepayers were able to apply for a rates rebate for the 2021/22 rating year at any time within the 12 months.

"Ratepayers still have the opportunity to apply for a rebate.

"Applications for rates rebates are open until June 30 next year. Lockdown may have affected ratepayers who would normally apply in August, and we did field phone calls regarding this.

"Most were happy to wait until the office re-opened, some wanted the application form posted and others downloaded the application form from our site."

Whanganui Age Concern manager Michelle Malcolm said it was important to remember that a sector of the Whanganui population does not use digital media.

"We didn't get any calls about rates payments but it is important to keep up print communication for those who still use it," she said.

"When someone is on a limited budget that difference in a payment amount could mean doing without essential items like groceries."