The Finance Cluster requested authority for an extension of the current COVID_19 debt relief that is meant to close 31 December to the end of the financial year giving customers until 30 June 2021 to make payment arrangements. This was tabled in a report at the Executive Committee Meeting, held today, 14 December and is subject to approval at Full Council scheduled to take place tomorrow, 15 December.
The extension for the relief is due to the continued financial constraints experienced by many customers, both residents and business as a result of the continuing economic crisis caused by the pandemic.
Deputy City Manager, Finance, Dr Krish Kumar explained that the response to the relief initiated earlier in July assisted the City’s outstanding debt collection. However, many customers are still having difficulty in making payments.
The report includes an amendment to the initial criteria that allows customers to enter into a payment agreement with a lesser down payment than the current 10% and 25% required for residents and businesses respectively.
The extended relief will allow for:
- Customer to enter into a credit agreement with the Municipality on condition that the owing customer pays a percentage of the arrears (excluding interest) on or before 30 June 2021;
- he debt must be ninety (90) days and older;
- Total interest accumulated and raised to the customer account will be reversed;
- The customer to enter into payment plan agreement for the balance of the outstanding debt over a maximum period of 24 months.
- There will be no interest raised during the period of the payment plan agreement.
- Existing customers on payment plan may cancel the existing agreement and enter into this once off relief.
Should a customer default on the payment plan with the Municipality, all interest written-off under the conditions of Covid_19 Special Payment Relief will be reinstated and the total debt (including interest) will be due for collection.
In addition, support and relief has already been implemented for B&B and Guesthouses whereby they will receive a COIVD_19 rebate to bring their rates payable to the same level as residential.
B&B and Guesthouses rates relief, application forms are obtainable from our website http://www.durban.gov.za/City_Government/Administration/Administrative%20Clusters/treasury/Revenue_Services/Pages/Application–Forms.aspx and may be returned to email address Revlineresponse@durban.gov.za. Further enquiries may be addressed to http://correspondence.durban.gov.za:200/. Customer are encouraged to submit their applications electronically, where possible.
For assistance in benefiting from Covid_19 debt repayment plan, customers may visit our regional Customer Services Centres or Contact Centre (0800 311 1111).
For queries can be sent via the correspondence portal: http://correspondence.durban.gov.za:200/ or visit the nearest Customer Centre.
