City of Cape Town Link

City reminds residents to take up relief, make payment arrangements

<p>‘Those who cannot pay their municipal accounts should please approach the City for assistance as it is important that we continue to support residents who are struggling financially. The City has an excellent payment ratio, which indicates most ratepayers are able to pay their accounts. Without the revenue from rates and services, we would not be able to provide services. However, we are sympathetic to residents who are struggling financially. In Cape Town, the City helps more than 40% of our households with free basic services. We also provide no-interest payment arrangements and debt write-off initiatives to ensure that we assist our customers, while also encouraging a culture of payment. But residents need to approach us for this assistance.</p><p>‘All residents who are struggling to pay, are encouraged to approach the City and discuss their situation with us. Those who have been hit hard by the Covid-19 national lockdown, should approach the City and enter into a formal interest free payment arrangement based on agreed upon terms. Quite often residents who struggle to pay for rates and services decide on their own to reduce payments or make ad hoc payments and then fall into arrears. They should rather approach the City so their circumstances can be assessed. Residents may qualify for support, or else they can enter into a payment arrangement to avoid debt management and legal actions. </p><p>‘The debt write-off relief, whereby customers enter into a payment arrangement with the benefit of having their outstanding debt that is older than 1 July 2018 written off, will only be available until 30 June 2022. Customers are encouraged to visit a Contact Centre to enter into a payment arrangement to benefit from this incentive. The payment arrangement will be entered into with the condition that the debt which is written-off be reinstated if customers default on their instalment plans.</p><p>‘There is help on offer and the City aims to accommodate everyone according to their income level. The uptake of indigent support remains relatively low and the City reiterates its call for those who are in financial difficulty to approach the City and see if they qualify for support,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.</p><h4>Contacts</h4><p>For rates or services relief<br>Visit: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-indigent-rates-relief">https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-indigent-rates-relief</a> or a City customer office.<br>Email: <a href="mailto:indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za">indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za</a> </p><h4>Pensioner rates relief</h4><p>Pensioners 60 years or older and people who receive social grants earning 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 <a href="mailto:rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za">rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za</a>. For more information on how to apply for pensioner support: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-senior-citizen-support">https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-senior-citizen-support</a> </p><h4>Rental housing relief</h4><p>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.<br>Human Settlements Directorate's Call Centre: 021 444 0333 or WhatsApp: 063 299 9927</p><h4>For payment arrangements</h4><p>Visit: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Municipal-accounts/Electricity/arrange-a-payment-plan-for-debt-collection">https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Municipal-accounts/Electricity/arrange-a-payment-plan-for-debt-collection</a>.<br>Email: <a href="mailto:Payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.za">Payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.za</a></p><p>Businesses in financial hardship due to the economic pressure from the Covid-19 lockdown can approach the City for relief based on the merits of each application.<br>Email: <a href="mailto:Covid19.Relief@capetown.gov.za">Covid19.Relief@capetown.gov.za</a><br></p>

2022-01-13T22:00:00Z

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