GEORGE NEWS - The finance department of George Municipality will be submitting a request to Council for approval to increase the rebate that lower-income owners and pensioners can claim on their property rates.

On qualifying residential properties, the valuation threshold will be increased to R230 000, up from R150 000, according to chief financial officer Riaan du Plessis. 

"This is a 53% increase in the rebate offered on residential property taxes and is aimed at providing relief to lower-income households and the poor," he said in response to ratepayers' fears regarding the coming rate increase.

Pensioners can claim the rebate as follows:

• A rebate of 40% on the property rates on such properties, if their total income as defined in the municipality's property rates policy is less than R120 000 per year (33% increase in rebate); or
• A rebate of 20% on the property rates on such properties, if their total income as defined in the municipality's property rates policy is R120 000 or more per year but less than R135 000 per year, provided that they apply in writing for such rebates on or before 15 July (30% increase in rebate).
• A rebate of 15% in property rates will be applicable to pensioners earning up to R276 000 per year on the first R1m valuation of the property. This will apply to persons over the age of 65 years for their single primary residence.

Du Plessis said after the council meeting, a public participation process will be followed for the new IDP (Integrated Development Plan) and budget of the municipality, which includes the general valuation roll. 

Thereafter the final IDP and budget will be submitted to council for final approval at the end of May.

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