Draft Hardship and Financial Hardship Policy

Purpose of Policy

The purpose of the amended draft Hardship and Financial Hardship Policy is to provide Council with a policy framework for assisting individuals and businesses experiencing hardship or financial hardship to manage the payment of rates and charges, in accordance with sections 170, 171, 171A, 171B, 172, 180, 180A, 181 and 181AA of the Local Government Act 1989 and the Ministerial Guidelines relating to payment of rates and charges (issued under section 181AA).

The Policy also aims to ensure communication is clear and accessible, options are offered early and proportionately, and decisions are made consistently and compassionately. It sets out how Council will offer flexible payment options, payment plans, deferrals and (where appropriate) waivers, and how applications will be assessed, reviewed and communicated to support sustainable payment outcomes for both Council and the ratepayer.

The Proposed Amendments

The proposed amendments to this policy include:

1. Clear distinction between hardship and financial hardship;
2. Mandatory principles embedded in the policy;
3. Flexible payment and relief options;
4. Accessibility and early engagement;
5. Assessment, decision-making and review processes;
6. Family violence and economic abuse considerations.

Feedback from You

Before Council adopts the amended Policy, we'd like to hear from you! Please read the draft Policy (attached to this page) and complete the survey below and provide your feedback on the Policy and the proposed amendments.

Please provide your feedback by 11:59pm on Thursday 28 May 2026.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Petra Croot, Director Corporate and Community Services, on (03) 5391 4444, or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.