NRA expresses appreciation to Council

Madam – The Association, of behalf of all ratepayers wishes to convey to Council it’s appreciation to reduce the rate tariff for the new financial year as indicated in the report that was published in the Advertiser of June 6.

Apparently this decision was taken as a result of the increased valuations that will become effective as from 1 July 2014.

While this concession will be welcomed by the many property owners whose valuations have increased, it will be an additional benefit to hundreds of property owners whose valuations have either remained the same or which have been reduced.

In the case of 139 sites taken at random in various suburbs in Newcastle, the average drop in valuation came to 23.5 per cent. The Association requested the Municipality to do a thorough investigation into this matter.

The Association also noted Council’s decision to waive the payment of availability charges for utilities for indigent consumers. In this regard, a while ago, the Association

requested Council to grant a similar concession to pensioners, many of whom are also suffering financially because of higher tariffs and other increases.

The Association can only hope for a sympathetic consideration of this request.

Newcastle Ratepayers’ Association.