Rates discount for those in need

THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is urging pensioners and homeowners with disabilities to apply for a property rates discount.

Municipal spokesman Mthubanzi Mniki said preference would be given to those including:

ý Individuals whose total gross annual income from all sources amounted to R11 850 a month, excluding medical aid contributions and child support grant;

ý Pensioners who are at least 60 from July 1 of the financial year of application, or turning 60 during the year of application;

ý People with disabilities, such as recipients of a disability grant or pension who can prove the nature of their disability.

These rebates do not include water and electricity discounts, but are strictly limited to property rates.

Residents who are recipients of the metro indigent subsidy will not be included as they are already exempt from paying any rates.

The metro’s political head of budget and treasury, Retief Odendaal, said the municipality was committed to ensuring not only that the city’s coffers were managed transparently and efficiently, but also to assist and provide relief to those in need.

The application window for rebates opens in June each year.

Once the rebate is granted, it will only be valid for one year even if the financial circumstances of the applicant change during the course of the year.

Application forms are available at the nearest municipal Customer Care Centre (041) 506-5555) or through the municipal website at www.mandelametro.gov.za