Not being eligible for a rates rebate is annoying Whanganui man Ron Pocock.
He has lived in his Springvale house for eight years, but transferred its ownership to his two daughters in case he needed expensive rest home care and government took the value of the property to pay for it.
The transfer was made over several years, by gifting to a family trust. His solicitor advised him to do it.
Until three years ago Pocock could apply for a rates rebate. Two years ago, "out of the blue", he was told he could only get a rebate if his name was on the property title.
Department of Internal Affairs policy had changed and Whanganui District Council had followed suit.