Supporting communities  |  8 Aug 2019

The owners of properties left uninhabitable by a gas explosion in a Northwood cul-de-sac will be eligible to have their rates remitted.

Christchurch City Council today agreed that it would offer a helping hand to those affected by the 19 July gas explosion by offering a rates remission until their homes become habitable again or until June 2020, whichever comes earliest.

The gas explosion at 9 Marble Court destroyed the house where the explosion occurred and resulted in a number of other houses becoming uninhabitable.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel says the Council believe it is fair and equitable to offer people whose homes become uninhabitable because of an event a rates remission for the house that cannot be occupied. 

This means they will only have to pay rates on the value of their land. 

Property owners who think they might be eligible for a rates remission will need to apply in writing for the remission.

Councillors have also asked staff to review the Council's Rate Remission Policy with a view to ensuring consistency in the future.