The Council's objectives for rates are to:

• Provide a fair and equitable rating system for the Selwyn District.

• Ensure that all ratepayers make an equitable and reasonable contribution to the cost of the available services.

• Ensure, as far as is practicable, that the apportionment of costs amongst the various groups of ratepayers reflects the available services.

• Ensure that the rating system is of sufficient flexibility to address any special circumstances within separately defined areas.

Policy

Rates and charges will be levied in accordance with the relevant empowering legislation, having regard to any High Court decisions affecting those authorities, and in conformity with the Councils aims and objectives for an equitable rating base.

System

The rating system provides for the net funding requirement of the Councils programme as stated in the annual budget.

Rate Types

The following rates and charges are levied:

Uniform Annual General Charge

The Uniform Annual General Charge of $130.30 per rateable assessment, irrespective of property value, is levied to moderate to some degree the extremes in rates which would apply if the rating system was based solely on property values.

General Purposes Rate

This rate is levied on the basis of Capital Value on all rateable property within the District. It provides the net funding for all Council operations which are not financed by separate or special rates.

Separate Rates and Charges

This class of rates and charges are levied on properties within designated areas to recover the operational, maintenance and other specific functions to the properties within those districts. The following classifications of rates are made and levied:

• Refuse collection

• Libraries

• Community Centres

• Recreational Areas

• Water supplies

• Sewerage

• Swimming Pools

• Land drainage

• Darfield Community Board

Rates for these purposes are based on either capital values, property areas, land classification or fixed charges per rateable property. In some instances, user charges based on metered water consumption are also used where a property is situated within an area specific for the purpose and is not connected to either a reticulated water supply or sewerage system, then half of the full charge is made.

Special Rates

These rates are levied in respect of loan charges.

Rating By Instalments

Rates are payable in four instalments. A ratepayer may choose to pay the whole years rates in one sum, on or before the due date of the second instalment, without incurring any additional penalty charges.

Additional Charges

An additional charge of 10% will be added to each instalment which remains unpaid after its due date. An additional 10% penalty will be added to all unpaid rates as at 1 July each year.

Additional charges may be remitted in accordance with the following criteria:

• All applications must be in writing.

• All rates must be paid in full, as a general rule, before remission is considered.

• Remission will generally be given where late payment has arisen due to sickness, death, age or other acceptable genuine reasons.

• Remission of second and subsequent additional charges where satisfactory arrangements are in place for regular payment of arrears.

• Remission of penalties will be treated on a case to case basis.

Environment Canterbury

The Council acts as agent for the collection of rates for Environment Canterbury who determine their own rate levels and policies.