Ashburton District ratepayers experiencing financial hardship and who are late on their rates instalments this financial year may now apply for late penalty fees to be written off, even if they have already received this assistance in the last two years.

Ashburton District Councillors yesterday adopted changes to the Rates Remission Policy, which had previously limited how often late penalty fees could be written off to only once every 24 months.

The Council had agreed to waive this limit in April ahead of the last rates instalment for the 2019/20 year, however this was on a once-off basis and did not apply to the 2020/21 financial year.

After consulting on the proposed changes with the community, Councillors formally adopted them yesterday ahead of this years' first rates instalment which is due on 20 August.

Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown says the amendment recognises the financial difficulties many families may be finding themselves in as a consequence of COVID-19.

"New Zealand's closed borders and various restrictions have left many very uncertain of their financial security. As it stands, the Government's wage subsidy extension schemes will finish up by December and we are likely to see people in our community facing hardship.

"The Council understands this is a very difficult time for a lot of people and want to make sure that those who are struggling or who may struggle in the months ahead are not faced with additional fees because they were unable to pay their rates on time."

The new changes only apply to the 2020/21 year.

Residents who want to apply for this assistance can contact the Council on 03 307 7700 or email rates@adc.govt.nz​.