Ruth Dyson
MP for Port Hills
Senior Citizens Spokesperson
MEDIA STATEMENT
5 May 2016
Rates rebate on the cards for retirement village residents
People living in retirement villages could be entitled to a rates rebate after a Labour Member’s Bill was today pulled
from the ballot, Labour’s Senior Citizens spokesperson Ruth Dyson says.
“Most residents in retirement villages cannot currently claim a rebate because they pay them indirectly to the
retirement village owner and therefore don’t get billed separately.
“My Rates Rebate (Retirement Village Residents) Amendment Bill seeks to fix this inequity.
“Some local authorities have recognised this problem and have changed their rating practices to bill retirement village
residents directly. My Bill would ensure that – regardless of the billing practice of the local authority – residents
are recognised as paying rates, and are therefore entitled to apply for a rebate.
“I look forward to discussing this issue with members of other political parties and gaining their support for this
common-sense change,” Ruth Dyson says.
ends