No relief from rates

It is important for all ratepayers to check their rates for the last 10 years.
They will be shocked to discover that rates have soared by more than 300 per cent.
With all the added increases we are paying for gas, water and electricity, pensioners, low income earners and families with huge home loans will be squeezed dry very soon.
The Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) have no control over pricing for water, gas and electricty which is being charged by these greedy conglomerates with no mercy what so ever.
All taxpayers/ratepayers must petition the ACCC, AER and their councils regarding the soaring prices of essential commodities and also their councils regarding the on-going increase in rates every year.
Government departments have all their facilities paid for by the taxpayer/ratepayer with regards to cars, petrol, registration, all domestic/overseas air travel etc.
Hence why do they have to worry about struggling pensioners, low income earners and families with huge home loans trying to make ends meet?
According to the Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell, the Council Act of 1989 gives councils discretion to defer payment on application or waive the whole or part of any rate, charge or interest on grounds of financial hardship.
Section171B empowers the council to waive all or part of payment of rates for a class of ratepayers without application.
Eligible pensioners who qualify for the State Concessions Act 2004 can also apply to councils for rate relief.
Dunstan Girton,
Hampton Park.