Support for residents and community

Financial Support

This year's annual budget (FY 2020-21) has been prepared on the basis of no increase to rates, in line with a previous commitment to minimise the financial impact on residents in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure that no ratepayer pays more in rates than last year, Council has adopted a special COVID concession for the 32 per cent of ratepayers that would have been charged more this year. 

2020-21

For the 2020-21 financial year, the following will apply for residents and community groups:

• No increase to rates and the introduction of a special COVID concession
• Freezing of all City determined fees and charges at 2019/2020 levels
• Eliminating instalment and penalty interest on rates as well as other associated fees and charges
• Funding for the City’s COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Local Recovery Action Plan, providing a number of relief measures to the community and local businesses.

2019-20

With the outbreak of COVID-19, the City provided residents and community groups facing financial hardship with a range of options in 2019-20, including:

• The deferment of rate payments for three months or the ability to enter into a more generous payment arrangement
• Removal of penalty interest and other charges on rates until 30 June
• Defer repayments of existing debts for three months for community based debtors
• More affordable payment options for Naval Base shack lessees 
• Full refund on all cancelled bookings and events at City facilities
• Sporting Clubs COVID Support Package - Stage : assistance paying ongoing costs to ensure clubs remain financially viable 
• Delay on final notices and referrals to Fines Enforcement Registry for issued infringements until 30 June
• ​A more lenient approach from the City with infringements. Cautions will be issued where appropriate.

If you are experiencing difficulties paying your rates, please contact Customer Service on customer@cockburn.wa.gov.au or call 08 9411 3444. For information on what financial support the City is providing businesses, visit the business page.

General Support

The majority of our services have reopened, some with restrictions still in place. For more information visit our 'Reopening Cockburn Phase 4' web page.