Pensioners’ rate rebate renewals due

IN spite of complaints, Hibiscus Coast pensioners will have to endure the inconvenience of gathering up all sorts of documents and submitting them to the municipality to reapply for rates rebates every two years.

All applications for pensioners’ rebates that need to be renewed this year must be submitted to the relevant municipal rates office by January 31. For information or to check the status of rebates, Port Shepstone residents should telephone 039 3128325; Shelly Beach, Gamalakhe and Ramsgate residents should contact 039 3128327; Uvongo and Southbroom should contact 039 3128316; Margate and San Lameer should contact 039 3128319; Port Edward area residents should contact 039 3128326; and Hibberdene, Umtentweni and farm residents should contact 039 3128354.

According to Hibiscus Coast Municipality’s rates policy, pensioner rebates are valid for two municipal financial years (or part thereof, depending on when the application was approved) and provided the qualifying criteria do not change. The rebate is not to be applied retrospectively and only comes into effect from the date of approval. The municipality has the right to inspect the pensioner rebate properties at any time to ensure the qualifying criteria are being met.

Pensioners, many of whom do not drive and do not have access to Internet, have contacted the South Coast Herald to ask why it was necessary for them to unravel their rebate red tape every two years. Municipal spokesman Simon Soboyisa-April said the rebate was implemented in terms of the council-approved rates policy. Ratepayers had been given the opportunity to comment during the policy adoption period, he said.

He also pointed out the two-year renewal policy was a control measure. The rebate was not permanent. Qualifying criteria needed to be met and circumstances changed and should occasionally be assessed to ensure that only deserving people qualified for the rebate.