Rates in Local Government - Debt Collection

Overview

Participants will study the various options, as outlined in the Local Government Act 1995, which can be used to recover outstanding rates debts including, but not limited to, legal action; and the solicitor’s role in providing legal opinions (e.g. eligibility for rates exemption), or assisting in more complex debt recovery actions.

Participants will have the opportunity to discuss and apply knowledge gained, to practical scenarios; to resolve common problems associated with the collection of overdue debts; and to meet and share ideas with other Local Government Rates Officers.

Target Audience

• Rates Officers
• Senior Finance Officer *

*or other Officers who supervises the Rates Officer

Learning Outcomes

• How to properly record overdue rates accounts;
• Liaising with tenants of rental properties; using rent payments to clear the Landlord’s Rates debt when commencing legal action through the court system with a claim;
• Continuing legal action if the claim is served, but remains unsatisfied;
• Lodging caveats;
• How to find ratepayers who do not respond to requests for payment; and
• Ascertaining the best course of action for debt recovery, especially when the ratepayer has left the last known address.

Course Transfer and Cancellation Policy

All transfer or cancellation requests must be made via our request form.

Please refer to the WALGA Terms and Conditions of Enrolment for further conditions including COVID-19, On-Site training and course cancellations. 

Upcoming Course Dates