City maintains strong payment ratio

12 October 2022

The City’s strong annual payment ratio of more than 97% shows that most residents continue to pay their accounts. Those who are struggling are encouraged to approach the City for help. Financial assistance includes some R3,75 billion in rates and tariffs relief to qualifying residents this financial year

'The City has an annual payment ratio of 97,22% as at 31 August 2022, indicating that the majority of Capetonians are able to pay their municipal accounts. Those who do struggle to pay their accounts should please approach us for assistance.

'We thank our residents for paying their municipal accounts and for making it possible for us to continue to deliver excellent services. It is important that municipal income is protected. Without it, the City will not be able to provide basic and essential services to residents. Anyone struggling to pay is encouraged to approach the City and discuss their circumstances with us. We often see situations where people are struggling to pay their account but instead of approaching us so that their particular situation can be looked into and a formal arrangement can be made, they reduce their payments or make ad hoc payments and then fall into arrears.

'Residents should rather approach the City to either access the indigent and rates rebate benefits the City is offering or to make a payment arrangement. In this way, we are all on the same page and debt management and legal actions can be avoided. It is important that all residents know there is help on offer. Our policies aim to accommodate everyone according to their income level. The City reiterates its call for residents who are in financial difficulty to go to their nearest customer care office and see if they qualify for assistance,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.

Contacts:

For rates or services relief

Visit: https://bit.ly/applyrelief or a City customer office.

Email: indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za

Pensioner rates relief

Pensioners 60 years or older and people who receive social grants with a total monthly income of not more than R17 500 may qualify for a rates rebate of between 10% and 100%. They are invited to go to the nearest City customer care office or send an email to rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za. For more information on how to apply for pensioner support: https://bit.ly/applyseniorsupport

Rental housing relief

If you are renting a community residential unit from the City, you may also apply for additional financial support if you are struggling to pay your rent and qualify for rental housing relief.

Human Settlements Directorate's Call Centre: 021 444 0333 or WhatsApp: 063 299 9927

For payment arrangements

Visit: https://bit.ly/arrangepaymentplan

Email: Payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.za

Businesses in financial hardship due to the economic pressure from Covid-19 can approach the City for relief based on the merits of each application.

Email: Covid19.Relief@capetown.gov.za

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office