Auckland Council’s rates team will be writing to around 2500 ratepayers this week to offer assistance where they have an outstanding objection seeking a lower valuation.
As has previously reported in the media, there has been an unacceptable delay by the council’s external valuation provider Quotable Value (QV) in completing around 5000 valuation objections following last year’s council revaluation process.
QV are currently processing these objections and the council continues to monitor this closely to ensure legislative and contractual compliance.
Of the 5000 outstanding objections, around 2500 want to have their valuation lowered - the council will soon be contacting this group and advising them to contact us if they have concerns about paying their rates prior to their objection being settled.
Acting Chair of the council’s Finance and Performance Committee, Councillor Desley Simpson says the council will do all it can to assist those who think they may be unable to pay their rates.
“The council is extremely disappointed to find itself in this situation, not of its making but is doing all it can to try to assist where possible.
“The first instalment rates invoices have been issued based on the current valuation, as is required by law.
“However, we recognise that some ratepayers may have concerns about paying their increased rates where they have an outstanding objection which may result in a lower valuation and consequently a lower rates bill.
“So we will be contacting those ratepayers who are still waiting for their outstanding objection to seek a lower valuation, to see if we can assist with payment options.
“In all circumstances, if you are concerned about being able to pay your rates, please get in touch with us so we can discuss options available to you.”
There are a number of options available for ratepayers who think they may struggle to pay their rates. These options include:
• Payment arrangements
• Direct Debit
• Rates Rebate
• Rates Postponement
• Assistance for the elderly in retirement villages
Visit Aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rates, call 09 979-5500 or email Rates@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information.
Council has withheld payment to QV as a result of them not delivering as per their contract.
It is expected all outstanding revaluation queries will be resolved by December 2018.
