What changes were made to the Rates Remission Policy?

We've brought in the following changes to our Rates Remission Policy:

• The option for rates postponement – a rates postponement is a way of delaying the payment of your rates. Rates postponement can help you if you're on a fixed income and cannot afford to pay your rates, or if you have a financial hardship that makes it difficult for you to pay your rates. However, rates postponement doesn't mean that you can avoid paying your rates. You'll still have to pay them eventually, and the amount will increase over time due to interest and administration costs.
• Special circumstances remission to allow ratepayers to apply for a one-off reduction (up to 100%) in rates for that financial year if they meet certain criteria. This relates to exceptional situations that affect the ratepayer’s ability to pay rates.
• Remission for second dwellings on a property to reduce the level of fixed charges that properties may need to pay if they have a second dwelling (separately used or inhabitable part) on the property that's used for family purposes and doesn't generate any income.
• Remission for Buildings Requiring Earthquake Strengthening to provide rates relief for properties temporarily not fit for purpose due to the property undergoing development or earthquake strengthening by reducing the level of general rates.
• Provide more flexibility for remissions in the case of properties affected by natural hazard disasters and emergency events. This provides options for the Council to be more flexible when such events occur.