Support for residents facing financial hardship

Help is available to residents, businesses and groups who may be struggling to meet their financial obligations to Council. 

At its Council Meeting on Tuesday 20 May, Council endorsed the updated City of Whittlesea Financial Hardship Policy, ensuring that those in the community who are facing genuine difficulties in making payments have a range of options available. 

Recognising that many residents are feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, Council is committed to supporting those in the community who may be experiencing financial hardship. 

The updated policy provides a range of options for those struggling to pay Council rates, fees and charges, including payment plans, deferrals, waivers of interest and debt collection costs and assistance in connecting individuals with support services. 

Council’s dedicated Financial Hardship Support Officer provides assistance and advice to anyone seeking support and helps you through the application process, making it easier and easing the stress of financial hardship.  

The updated policy comes into effect from 1 July 2025. For more information or to view the Financial Hardship Policy visit our rates webpage.

Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Martin Taylor:

"We know that many in our community are doing it tough right now, particularly in the face of rising living costs. As a Council, we are committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community during these challenging times. Our updated Financial Hardship Policy has been carefully designed to enable us to provide much needed assistance and support. Whether it’s relief for overdue rates or tailored support for those in crisis, this policy will help ease the stress for people who may already be struggling to keep up."