Seniors & residents angered by Moreland Council rates increase

Australian Pensioners’ Voice (APV) and Fawkner Residents Association (FRA) have condemned Moreland Council’s decision to increase rates and have confirmed it is fuelling deep resentment of Council and Councillors for being heartless and out of touch with community sentiment. 

Anger and resentment that will invariably deepen as the Stage Four lock down intensifies.

Speaking on behalf of APV President Mr Vic Guarino and for FRA, Mr Joe Perri said it is an absolutely appalling decision at a time when seniors and residents are tightening their belts like never before. 

“In light of so many people enduring financial distress as the result of living on the age pension / dependent on social welfare, being made unemployed, forced to take leave without pay or required to shut down a business, Moreland’s decision to increase rates has only served to compound the hardship of residents”, said Vic Guarino and Joe Perri. 

In good times of low unemployment, the trickery of raising rates by CPI or market value property increases was tolerated.   Doing so now has only served to fuel deep hostility and tarnish the standing of Council and Councillors.

“Councils are supposed to be the closest and most attune to grassroots / community issues.  Hence, we feel our members and residents are justified in questioning the decision during a period that is as tough as it can possibly be for everyone”, said Vic Guarino and Joe Perri.

Furthermore, Moreland Council’s lack of sensitivity contrasts strongly with the City of Monash decision to DECREASE rates by 8.2%.  Moreover, Monash was not alone in reducing or freezing rates for the coming year.

Unlike Moreland, the gesture by councils led by Monash will be appreciated as a compassionate sign of support that will be gratefully received and uplift the spirits of vulnerable ratepayers and businesses impacted by the pandemic.

The federal and state governments have also demonstrated similar understanding to the plight of Australians through financial restraint.

“As the most vulnerable group in the community to COVID-19, Moreland pensioners are isolated, living in a circle of fear and emotional distress”, said Vic Guarino. 

“For most of this year they have been forced to stay indoors with only pets for companionship; required to avoid contact with family and loved ones; distressed by the loss of close friends and relatives; unable to hug cherished grandchildren; and the list goes on.”

“With the predicted Stage Four lockdown imminent, the economic and mental distress will invariably be most intense in September as the arrival of the first rates notice for 2020-21 is received.  Moreland residents will be justified in questioning the motives of Councillors for the increase and how the paltry rebate to be provided will improve their lives living on a fixed pension”.

In defending their decision to reduce rates, the City of Monash said they were able to do so because of prudent financial planning over many years. 

In contrast to Moreland, Monash considered the most immediate financial assistance they could provide their community was to reduce rates whilst still maintaining essential services and funding various projects and initiatives residents expect.

Vic Guarino and Joe Perri concluded, “No matter how Moreland tries to sell its rates increase, it will be viewed with immense scepticism – and rightfully so”. 

ENDS

Issued jointly by Australian Pensioners’ Voice    &    Fawkner Residents Association