Objective of the Policy

The objective of this remission policy is to apply the Uniform Annual General Charge and Fixed Charges on a fair and equitable basis to ratepayers. Section 20 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 provides for two or more rating units to be treated as one unit for setting a rate if the units are:

1. In the same ownership, and
2. Used jointly as a single unit, and
3. Contiguous or separated by a road, railway, drain, water race, river or stream.

This Policy provides for the possibility of a rates remission where the above three conditions are not all met, but where it is nevertheless considered inequitable for the rating units to be treated as separate. In addition, it provides for remission of uniform annual general charges (UAGCs) and/or targeted fixed charge rates where a rating unit is liable for multiple charges but it is considered inequitable or excessive to assess full charges. This Policy may also be applied to individual lots for subdivisions, before the titles are sold.

Download the Contiguous status application form - (PDF, 805 KB)

Conditions and Criteria

The units may be in separate ownership, but if they are contiguous and are used jointly as a single unit, they will be treated as a single unit, so long as the contiguous rating unit does not contain any habitable dwellings; or

The remission will be the uniform annual general charge plus targeted fixed charge rates, on all but one rating unit where all of these rating units are:

1. subdivided into 5 or more lots where the titles have been issued; and
2. owned by the original developer who is holding the individual titles pending their sale to subsequent purchasers; and
3. originally contiguous or separated only by road, railway, drain, water race, river or stream.

Rates to be Remitted

Rating units that meet the criteria under this policy may qualify for a remission of the uniform annual general charges (UAGCs) and any targeted rates set on the basis of a fixed dollar charge per rating unit. The ratepayer will remain liable for at least one set of each type of uniform annual general charge or fixed charge.

Delegation

The delegated authority for this policy is set out in the Delegations Register.