Media response - unpaid rates

Published on 24 September 2024

Response to The Advertiser.

• I'm chasing an unpaid rates/forced property sale yarn. Can I please have a response to the following.

How much in unpaid rates is the council chasing for 2023/24?

 $11,990,000 at 30 June 2024 (this figure is the total outstanding arrears, including periods prior to the 2023–24 financial year)

How many ratepayers were referred to debt collectors in 2023/24?

6582

How many ratepayers have been prosecuted for not paying rates over the past three financial years?

 373 between 2023 to 2024

How many properties is the council planning to sell this financial year to recover years of unpaid rates?

 Not available, under review.

How many properties has the council sold in recent years to recoup debts?

Nil

Can the council please provide a comment on whether it has noticed an increase in the inability of residents being able to pay their rates?

We can confirm outstanding arrears have increased since 30 June 2023

ENDS