Brimbank ratepayers owe the council almost $8 million in unpaid rates and there has been a near-15 per cent jump in residents needing payment plans.
Council data seen by Star Weekly revealed the amount owed by ratepayers increased from $7.2 million in 2014-15 to $7.9 million in the financial year ending on Thursday.
There has also been a $400,000 increase in the amount of money owed by people who do not have payment plans – from $1.4 million to $1.8 million.
The number of people requiring payment plans jumped from 1620 to 1840.
But the total number of people in arrears fell from 3109 in 2014-15 to 3001 this year.
Corporate and community relations director Helen Morrissey said the overall rates picture was positive.
“It’s pleasing to see that the number of ratepayers who have contacted council to work out a payment plan has increased and that more ratepayers are making an endeavour to pay off their rates,” she said.
“We have also seen a corresponding decrease in the number of ratepayers with arrears in their rates and no payment plan.
“Notably, there’s been an increase in the number of people on payment plans since the last financial year – from 1620 in 2014-15 to 1840 in 2015-16.
“While technically council has an arrears of $7.9 million, this actually translates into much less as the majority of the amount is being actively repaid through payment plans.”
She said the council offered payment plans for “extenuating circumstances”.
