- Published:
- Friday 31 July 2015
The Essential Services Commission (ESC) has today handed down its draft report on a council rate capping framework.
Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins said the report underscored the need for change, after an average rate increase of six per cent every year, for the last fifteen years.
The ESC were tasked by the Andrews Labor Government to provide advice on capping rates and ways to promote the transparency and discipline within local councils that communities deserve.
Ms Hutchins said that the Labor Government would now be reviewing the draft advice of the ESC, with the ESC’s final report due at the end of September.
Ms Hutchins will also be seeking feedback from her Fair Go Rates Reference Group, which includes representatives from the local government sector and Ratepayers Victoria.
The Government encourages councils and ratepayers to be part of the ESC’s next stage of consultation, which will include submissions and a series of forums.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins
“Our Fair Go Rates Cap will stop the excessive rate increases of the past, which have been at double or triple the rate of inflation.”
“The Commission’s draft report provides advice to the Andrews Labor Government on potential options for our Fair Go Rates Cap. We will consider it along with the final report, due in September.”
“We’re making sure we get this right. The consultations will give communities and councils a say, so that we end up with a rates system that is clearer and fairer for local residents.”