A raft of proposed changes to council rate structures are outlined in the NSW Government'sdraft of the Local Government Amendment (Rates) Bill 2021 which has been for public comment.
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One of the key reforms will allow amalgamated councils to harmonise rates over a period of up to four years.
Both Bayside and Georges River councils are required to harmonise rates between their pre-amalgamation local government areas.
Bayside has to harmonise rates between the former Rockdale and Botany local government areas while Georges River has to harmonise rates between the former Kogarah and Hurstivlle local government areas.
Other proposed rating reforms in the draft bill include:
Allowing councils to levy special rates for jointly funded infrastructure;
Increasing flexibility through new rating categories from ordinary rates to special rates;
Changing specific exemptions from ordinary to special rates;
Improving public confidence in the rating system.
Other rating reforms include:
Allowing councils' general income to rise in line with population growth;
Encouraging councils to levy rates on minding land to reflect additional costs;
Retaining the rating category for business as the 'residual rating cattery;
Requiring councils to report the value of exemptions they grant each year.
The government said the Draft Bill, and other key rating reforms, if implemented, will help to improve the equity and efficiency of the rating system and enhance councils' ability to implement sustainable fiscal policies over the long term.
A consultation guide, Towards a Fairer Rating System, has been released to explain the proposed changes in the Exposure Draft Bill and to assist councils and others to provide feedback on this and other rating reforms.
To provide feedback, please complete the online submission form:
There is an option to provide general comments in the online form. Alternatively, an identical form is provided at Appendix A of the consultation guide.
People can complete the online form, or post or email the completed feedback by the closing date of 5 February 2021 to:
Office of Local Government, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
Towards a Fairer Rating System
Locked Bag 3015
Nowra NSW 2541
olg@olg.nsw.gov.au
