More pensioners eligible for rates concessions

More pensioners will be entitled to rates concessions from July 1.

Premier Carmen Lawrence said today that Parliament's approval of the Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Bill yesterday meant that deferments and rates rebates of up to 50 per cent would be extended to people previously ruled ineligiable.

"It is believed that about 5,000 pensioners will benefit," Dr Lawrence said.

"The concessions will be extended to those pensioners who part-own their home, who purchased their home under Homeswest's shared equity scheme, or who own but jointly occupy their residence with another person."

Dr Lawrence said part-owners would receive a rebate proportional to their share of the ownership of the land.  A proportional rebate would also be available to pensioners who had participated in the Homeswest shared equity scheme.

People who had previously been refused a rebate because they occupied their residence with another person would get a full 50 per cent rebate and be able to defer their rates.

The Premier said that pensioners would need to register for the rebate with their local council and water authority by completing an application form and producing a pensioner health benefits card and concession card.

Further information could be obtained by telephoning the State Treasury on 222 9075 or 222 9313.  A brochure was available.