Environment Canterbury and Timaru District Council are working quickly to resolve a rates issue identified with the Environment Canterbury portion of Timaru district rates bills.

Due to a miscalculation, the invoices were issued for a higher amount than was required for the Environment Canterbury portion of Timaru district rating units.

“We had a few questions from people quite rightly questioning the size of the increase. We are now working quickly to get updated statements issued to all residents in time for the next instalment later this year,” Environment Canterbury Director Corporate and Public Transport Services Giles Southwell says.

The first instalment was due on 20 September. Any overpayments will be credited to the applicable rates account and will be taken off the second instalment amount. The overall reduced amount will be reflected across instalments 2, 3 and 4. No penalty fees will be applied for underpayments in instalment 1.

If payment has been made for the full year, a refund of any overpayment will be provided following the issuing of updated invoices.

Anyone who has concerns can contact Environment Canterbury on 0800 324 636.