Brimbank council is owed more than $9 million in unpaid rates and there has been a spike in the number of people needing payment plans.
According to figures seen by Star Weekly, 1430 ratepayers are in arrears so far this financial year. They currently owe a combined $9.3 million, a figure significantly more than in 2015-16 when ratepayers owed the council $7.9 million at the end of the full financial year.
Brimbank council’s corporate and community relations director, Helen Morrissey, said while $9.3 million was a “significant amount” the majority of people behind on their payments were on payment plans.
“Put simply, while ‘technically’ council has an arrears of $9.3 million this actually translates into much less as the majority of the amount is being actively repaid through payment plans,” she said.
Ms Morrissey said there were about 77,000 rateable properties in Brimbank and just 1430, or about 1.9 per cent, were in arrears.
However, the number of people requiring payment plans has jumped from 1840 to 2400.
Payment plans require payment on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis with interest on the amount owed.
Ms Morrissey said it was important for anyone having trouble paying their rates to contact the council.
Related
2016: Brimbank council owed nearly $8 million in rates
2015: Hard times a hit to Brimbank council rates cash as arrears pile up
2014: Brimbank: 11,000 property owners in rates arrears
