Draft Debt Management and Hardship Policy

Council's Draft Debt Management and Hardship Policy is on public exhibition until 1 August 2023.
This policy presents Council's framework for debt recovery and the factors considered when pursuing repayment of funds owed to Council. It also outlines Council’s guidelines for the assessment of hardship applications applying the principles of respect, fairness, integrity, flexibility, confidentiality and compliance with relevant statutory requirements.

What is the purpose of a Debt Management and Hardship Policy?

The purpose of this Draft Debt Management and Hardship Policy is to outline Council’s debt recovery framework and considerations to be used in recovering monies owed to Council.

Debt management and hardship policies are typically designed to provide relief and support to individuals or businesses who are unable to meet their financial obligations due to various circumstances, such as unemployment, illness, or other unforeseen events.

About the policy

Council will treat all customers fairly and consistently in considering their circumstances. All matters will be treated confidentially under this policy.

The objectives of this policy are:

• To provide a framework for the efficient and effective collection of outstanding debts balanced with a respectful and sensitive approach to ratepayers and other debtors suffering financial hardship;

• To recover monies owing to Council in a timely and effective manner and ensure sound cash flow management that contributes to low levels of outstanding rates and charges;

• To provide a process that is ethical, transparent and compliant with legal obligations and legislation; and

• To establish an effective, accountable and transparent framework for managing the circumstances under which Council will assess requests for relief due to financial hardship.

You can read the policy here.

Have your say

We value your feedback and appreciate any input you may have. You can make a submission up to 4pm, Tuesday 1 August 2023.

Online: Using the online form below

Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Mail: General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW, 2484

Following the exhibition period and the receipt of public comments, this matter will be reported back to Council including submissions for final adoption.