Council recognize that ratepayers (particularly those on low incomes and older people) are increasingly facing payment difficulties of living pressures such as electricity, health and living costs continue to rise. In addition, there can be ‘one‐off’ or ‘act of god’ events that unexpectedly create hardship circumstances that can have an effect for a short or a long period of time, such as the recent bushfire events. Kangaroo Island Council provides support and assistance through payment plans and other relief options provided through legislation.
A consistent approach to the treatment of hardship applications and request for assistance is extremely important to ensure a fair, effective and respectful process for all involved and is an expectation of a responsible public authority acting reasonably.
What is Hardship?
Hardship is not subject to any specific definition, but, generally, may be considered to be ‘a customer or ratepayer who wants to pay, but cannot. Hardship can be short term or long term and may include contributing factors such as:
- family tragedy;
- financial misfortune
- serious illness
- impacts of natural disaster; and/or
- other serious or difficult circumstances
Hardship does not include circumstances where a person chooses not to meet a liability for an unpaid debt. There are many factors to be considered when determining hardship. Sometimes, these may need to be assessed by a financial counsellor (or other appropriately trained person/s). They may include, but not be limited to, income, assets, personal circumstances, any dependents and mental/physical health. Not all cases of hardship are alike, and each situation must be considered on its merits.
Hardship application