The City of Ballarat is reviewing its Financial Hardship Policy following the release of Victorian Government Ministerial Guidelines relating to rates and charges.

The updated draft policy aims to meet these new requirements while also improving how financial hardship support is explained and accessed.

The Victorian Government recently introduced updated Ministerial Guidelines relating to rates and charges.

The guidelines place greater focus on:

• Clear and accessible hardship processes
• Fair and consistent decision-making
• Flexible payment arrangements
• Better information about available support
• And stronger referral pathways to financial counselling and support services.

Many of these principles are already reflected in the City of Ballarat’s existing Financial Hardship Policy.

The draft policy review helps ensure the policy aligns with the updated requirements while improving clarity and accessibility.

For more information, visit:
Victorian Government Ministerial Guidelines for Rates and Charges

The Financial Hardship Policy outlines the support available to ratepayers experiencing financial hardship.

This may include:

• Payment plans
• Deferred payments
• Waivers in some circumstances
• And referrals to support services.

The policy also explains who may be eligible for assistance and how to apply.

The draft policy continues many of the same support principles already in place, while incorporating changes required under updated Victorian Government guidelines.

The review has also helped clarify eligibility, processes and information to make support options easier to understand and access.

We’re seeking feedback on whether the draft policy feels clear, fair and accessible for people experiencing financial hardship.

While some types of assistance are set by legislation, Council can influence how support is delivered and accessed locally.

The City of Ballarat worked with local financial counselling and community support organisations to help inform the draft policy, including:

• Child and Family Services Ballarat (CAFS)
• The Salvation Army
• Allied Justice

Their input helped ensure the draft policy is practical, clear and supportive for people experiencing financial hardship.

Community feedback will be reviewed and considered before the final Financial Hardship Policy is presented to Council for consideration.

If adopted, the updated policy will guide how financial hardship assistance is provided by the City of Ballarat moving forward.