A "handful" of residents in the Dubbo local government area have already applied to have their next two rate payments deferred.
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Dubbo Regional Council has introduced a new policy that allows those experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 to defer their rental payments.
So far, council's manager corporate image and communications Andrew Parsons said it had been "taken up by a handful of people" with more indicated they intended to apply.
"It's very much there for the community to use," Mr Parsons said.
"Council is well aware there are people out there who are doing it tough. Go through the application process, visit the website, provide the evidence and supporting documents to show that you need to make use of that policy."
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The policy allows people on government assistance due to COVID-19, or property owners who can show a decrease of 30 per cent or more in rental income, to postpone rate installments due on May 31 and August 31.
There will be no interest charged on the rates and a payment plan will be established with the goal of having them paid by the end of December.
In March, councillors voted to increase rates for the 2020/21 financial year by the 2.6 per cent rate pegging limit.
The The COVID-19 Rates Financial Assistance Policy is available for both residential and business ratepayers.
Applications can be made online through the Dubbo Regional Council website.
Online applications to defer rates need to include supporting documentation to show financial hardship.
Once assessed, those who are eligible will then be notified by return email or in writing.