New system to help pensioners with rate/water bill concessions

20/6/94

Water Resources and Local Government Minister Paul Omodei has introduced a new streamlined system to assist pensioners seeking concessions on council rates and annual water bills.

Mr Omodei said applicants previously had to complete separate forms to get council and Water Authority concessions.

"When applicants lodged their Water Authority form they were asked to provide information on the title deed to their property and proof of their pensioner status," he said.

"They then had to go through the same process at their local council office when requesting a rebate on those charges.

"I have now introduced a system where pensioners can complete a duplicate form at either centre which will automatically be forwarded to the other agency."

Mr Omodei said substantial rebates of up to 50 per cent of council rates and annual water bills were available for many thousands of home owners who held pensioner concession cards.

Eligible seniors' card holders were also entitled to water rebates of up to 25 per cent.

The concessions were available to both full and part owners of a property, provided it was their ordinary place of residence.

Mr Omodei urged both pensioners and seniors to register quickly to avoid missing out on their entitlement.

People who were uncertain if they were eligible should check with the Water Authority or their local council.  Seniors could only apply at Water Authority offices as council rebates did not apply to them.

The registration deadline to gain rebates on 1994 95 Water Authority accounts is July 31 this year.  Council applications must be registered within 35 days of issue of a rates notice.

Media contact:  Amanda O'Brien (09) 222 9595