No exemption for elderly ratepayers
Rumoured rates exemptions for those older than 70 were dispelled by the municipality.
Reported rates exemptions for pensioners over the age of 70 are not on the cards for Newcastle residents.
According to certain national newspapers, septuagenarians would be exempt from municipal rates, provided their property was valued at below R2-million as of July last year.
Sources at Newcastle Municipality said this was not the case.
An official at the municipal rates office explained she was not aware of such a policy being adopted, and was assured the rates exemption did not apply to Newcastle.
The mayor, Afzul Rehman, said those older than the age of 60 received a 25 per cent discount on their rates bill.
This discount stands no matter the property valuation, however, residents who are eligible for the rates discount need to apply for this service at the municipality.
