One of the first pieces of law the new Government passed this year was a fix to the rates rebate system to ensure those living in retirement villages obtain the rates rebate they're entitled to.
Previously, I know a lot of people were missing out on the rebate because of the way local councils collected rates — but the issue had been put in the too-hard basket.
For a number of years, Labour MP Ruth Dyson has been campaigning to make this fairer, so people who live in retirement villages aren't treated unjustly. I'm proud we've now fixed this issue.
Retirement village residents with Licence to occupy agreements can now apply for a rates rebate from the next rating year, beginning 1 July this year. (Retirement village residents with a licence to occupy do not own the property they live in, but they do have a contractual right to occupy it).
Fixing this law means more New Zealanders will get the money they're entitled to. You can receive up to $620 per year — depending on your income, your rates and any dependents you look after. Make sure that you apply for the rebate to ensure you don't miss out. You can obtain the form from your local council, or apply online through the Department of Internal Affairs' website www.dia.govt.nz