Resident questions how council calculates rates rebates

A Masterton ratepayer is concerned about this year's district council rates rebate calculation, after his rates were discounted before his rebate was calculated.

Frank O'Cain went to the council mid-year to inquire about his rates rebate and had been given a 2.5 per cent discount on his rates for the first time before the rebate was calculated.

That resulted in Mr O'Cain being given $272.87 instead of the $304.07 he calculated he was entitled to on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

Mr O'Cain said he had contacted council but had not been given an explanation for the discount calculation. "I'm mainly trying to get Wairarapa aware of what's going on, so it doesn't come in next year."

Since he discovered the discount, Mr O'Cain has contacted 10 councils in the lower North Island and none had applied the discount.

He had also approached the department, which said the council was within its rights.

"They say, basically, it's up to the council. They can do whatever they like as far as this thing's concerned."

He intends to approach Wairarapa MP John Hayes to take the matter further, as well as WOOPs (the Wairarapa Organisation for Older Persons).

Council finance manager David Paris said everybody's rebates were calculated on the discounted rates figure.

"The council decides to offer a discount for early payment of the full year's rates. Many councils do not offer a discount."

He said the department's policy required rebates to be calculated on the discounted amount if offered.