Incentive program

(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act, where a local authority considers it expedient to offer a discount on the rate of arrears payable to the local authority, it shall propose an incentive program suited for that purpose and shall submit that proposal to the Minister responsible for Local Government for approval. (2) An incentive program proposed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, shall be limited to the following categories, 19 (a) senior citizens; (b) early payment; (c) arrears. (3) The Minister shall not consider an incentive proposal that does not fit into the categories outlined in subsection (2) of this section. (4) In reviewing a proposal submitted pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the Minister may, (a) make adjustments to the proposal and approve for implementation; (b) instruct as to necessary charges to be made to the proposal before implementation; (c) reject the proposal, in part or in toto, instructing on necessary changes if any; (d) accept the proposal in part or in toto, and approve for implementation. (5) The Minister, by Order published in the Gazette, shall declare on an annual basis, the rates of discount to be applicable on rates or on arrears or both, as the case may be in respect of an incentive program approved pursuant to this (6) The declaration of rates of discount required to be done pursuant to subsection (5) of this section, shall be made on or before the 15th day of January of the year in which it is to be implemented. (7) The rates of discount declared pursuant to subsection (5) of this section, shall be applicable to the rates due for the financial year next ensuing. 20