Clutha ratepayers are getting in earlier to save money on their rates bill, with a surge of interest in the Government's rates rebate scheme, although tougher economic times may also be forcing their hand.
Figures from the Clutha District Council show more ratepayers than ever are taking advantage of the chance to save up to $530 on their annual rates accounts.
Between July 1 and October 24 this year, the council received 534 applications compared with 460 for the same time last year.
The amount of money being saved was also up, from $189,092 in the 2007 figures to $245,744 in the 2008 period.
The average rebate paid out was also slightly up, from $411.07 to $460.20.
Council corporate services manager Alan Dickson said "the same names" appeared to be applying for the rebate.
The only difference was many were applying much earlier than last year.
Mr Dickson suspected many would be looking for any way to save money and the scheme offered the chance to "significantly" reduce rates bills.
Administered by the Department of Internal Affairs, the rates rebate scheme was revived in 2006.
A review this year, which took effect from July 1, made two changes - the maximum rebate has increased from $500 to $530, and the income threshold has been lifted from $20,000 per annum to $21,180.
Homeowners can apply now for the rebate for rates paid in the 2008-09 year.
The closing date for applications is June 30, 2009.
Although a ratepayer's income might exceed the $21,180 threshold, a rates rebate could still be available, depending on the rates amount and number of dependants.
