A report into the application of general rates to private residences operated by charitable organisations – such as retirement villages – will be prepared by the City of Launceston.
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Alderman Hugh McKenzie introduced a notice of motion at Monday’s council meeting to ask general manager Robert Dobrzynski to prepare a report on the issue, which passed unanimously.
Three members of the public spoke against the motion.
The call for a report comes after the Local Government Association of Tasmania passed a motion on the issue in February which recognised that occupancy of homes owned by charitable organisations by private residents was not a charitable purpose, and was subsequently not exempt from general rates.
A number of Aldermen clarified that enforcing rates in these instances was not a foregone conclusion, and that the report would provide additional information for consideration before any decision on the issue could be made.
Alderman McKenzie said the issue was about leadership, equity and justice.
“Equity is making decisions that ensure we consider our whole ratepayer base in making them,” he said.
“It is important it is understood that the direction of this motion is not about attacking the individuals who live in those villages, but the basic premise under which the organisations are run and operated.”
