Rate cap increased to 1.75%

A NEW rate cap of 1.75 per cent has been set for all Victorian councils for the 2022-23 financial year - up from 1.5 per cent in the current 2021-22 year.

Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane announced the cap today, under the state government’s ‘Fair Go Rates’ system.

“The Fair Go Rates system began in 2016 to limit uncontrolled rate hikes and to provide councils with a clear framework to guide their budgeting while ensuring essential services continue to be delivered,” the state government said.

The cap is set each year by the Minister for Local Government with advice from the Essential Services Commission, guided by the Consumer Price Index.

“Before the Fair Go Rates system was introduced, residents faced an average rate increase of 6 per cent every year.”

The current rate cap of 1.5 per cent is the lowest since the system was first introduced.

Councils collect rates from residents annually to fund and deliver essential community infrastructure and services such as local parks, libraries, community centres, roads, kindergartens, waste collection and sports grounds.

Councils individually set rates for their municipalities every year through their budget process and must consult with their communities on decisions relating to budgets, rates, and other charges.

To find out more about how rates are set, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au.