At its meeting of 21 April 2026, Council resolved to exhibit the Draft Hardship Policy from 28 April to 4 June for community feedback.
Council recognises there are cases of genuine financial hardship requiring respect and compassion in special circumstances. This policy establishes guidelines for assessment of payment assistance applications applying the principles of social justice, fairness, integrity, appropriate confidentiality, and compliance with relevant statutory requirements. It applies to all applications for waiving, deferment and alternative payment arrangements, or writing off rates, fees and annual charges, water, interest accrued on rates and water, and other sundry debts.
This policy provides a framework for responding to applications from owners/ratepayers and customers experiencing genuine hardship with the payment of their rates, water, annual charges and fees in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) (Act) and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (NSW) (Regulation).
The draft document is available for viewing in hard copy at Council’s Administration Building, Visitor Information Centre and Singleton Public Library, or downloaded below.
Draft Hardship Policy
Community feedback closes on Thursday 4 June 2026. Submissions may be made in writing to the General Manager, PO Box 314 Singleton 2330 or emailed to W council@singleton.nsw.gov.au
The draft document will be adopted following the public exhibition period, provided that no submissions or objections are received or that no alterations are required to the draft document.
Should any objections or submissions be received or alterations be required, a further report will be presented to Council in relation to the subject draft document.
For more information, contact Council’s Customer Service team on T 02 6578 7290 or E council@singleton.nsw.gov.au