Yes, the revised policy still allows pensioners to obtain relief from paying all of their rates but now they have to face an inquisition of faceless bureaucrats to determine whether or not they are eligible and then if they default on their payments they have to face the debt collector. 

This atrocious policy decision has less to do with the public good and more to do with revenue raising. Many of the area’s senior citizens will be embarrassed at the prospect of admitting they need help and will probably not ask.

There are pensioners in our community who become emotionally distraught over bills they know they are unable to afford. There are those that wake from nightmares in a state of panic over accounts that have already been paid. There must be many others that share these concerns yet while on fixed incomes still attempt to do the right thing and meet their financial responsibilities. The only way to put a stop to their suffering is to have a council policy that reflects true compassion and understanding.

Cr Greg Watson tried to explain that the previous policy allowed pensioners to face this predicament with dignity and confidence. Cr Watson said the previous policy gave pensioners an opportunity to accrue their overdue rates to their estate and council collected arrears when the estate was settled or when the property sold.

On three separate occasions Cr Watson pleaded with Team Gash to listen to him and consider what he was saying. It was blood curdling to watch Team Gash ignore his appeal and support such a travesty of social justice. I am unable to support this blatantly cold hearted policy. In my opinion this policy will terrify a number of seniors who will be fearful of not meeting their financial commitments. 

In the previous policy pensioners only had to stop paying their rates or make arrangements to pay a lesser amount. The previous policy was implemented with no cost to council but the new policy will require costs for time, personnel and resources.

This new policy is shameful as it comes after last month’s proposed 7.5 per cent increase in rates above rate pegging for two consecutive years 2017/18. If pensioners are unable to afford these increases they will have to apply for hardship status by completing the application form that is akin to the detail requested by a financial planner and then approach the panel who might or might not be sympathetic to their plight. 

What will our pensioners have to sacrifice in order to pay their rates? There are pensioners who, not wanting to be a burden on their family, worry about meeting their funeral costs. Is paying council rates more important than peace of mind?

The motion to change the policy was moved by Mayor Joanna Gash and seconded by Cr Lynne Kearney. It is shocking that nine out of 12 councillors voted to support this policy change. What was Team Gash thinking? Based on observations of their behavior and the manner in which they voted one could believe that Team Gash puts money before people. 

Cr M. Kitchener, 

Ulladulla.