The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted rates payments, with Hume council owed $20.2 million in outstanding rates.
A report to last week’s council meeting revealed that the value of rate arrears as of June 30 was $20.2 million, up $3 million from June 30, 2020.
The value of rate arrears … can be largely attributable to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the report stated.
In addition, there are high levels of arrears concentrated in central Hume as well as in the growth suburbs which could indicate socio-economic factors playa role as well as first home buyers not having enough funds left over after purchasing
their first homes, furnishing it and having young families.”
General rateable properties accounted for $18.73 million – or 92 per cent- of the outstanding payments, up from $15.29 million in 2020.
The report stated that Campbellfield, Greenvale, Kalkallo, Mickleham and Sunbury have seen the largest increase in arrears, while Craigieburn and Sunbury have the largest amount of arrears- at more than $3 million each.
The report stated 3236 ratepayers had entered into COVID-19 payment arrangements with the council, with 1392 properties still in arrears.
Craigieburn was revealed to be the top suburb for properties with COVID-19 payment arrangements that are still in arrears (381), followed by Mickleham (170), Sunbury (168), Greenvale (151) and Roxburgh Park (120).
Laura Michell
