The Essential Services Commission’s annual Council Rate Cap Compliance Report reveals that all 79 Victorian local councils adhered to the 2.75 per cent rate cap for 2024-25 set by the minister for local government.
Essential Services Commission chair Gerard Brody expressed satisfaction with the councils’ compliance.
“This is the fourth consecutive year all councils have been compliant with the rate cap,” he said.
“Ararat Rural City Council chose not to increase its rates, and the remaining 78 Victorian councils raised their rates close to or in line with the 2.75 per cent cap.” he said.
“As consumers continue to grapple with cost-of-living pressures, it is important that councils work proactively with ratepayers experiencing hardship and provide accessible assistance programs.
“Amidst these challenges it is positive to see councils continue to deliver services to residents and businesses while keeping their budgeted rate increases within the cap.”
While waste service rates and charges are exempt from the cap, the commission monitors changes in council service rates and charges structures.
Five councils — Greater Shepparton City, Hepburn Shire, Mansfield Shire, Mildura Rural City and Towong Shire — introduced new service charges to recover costs for previously unprovided waste management services.
Read more about the report here: https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/media-centre/victorian-councils-keep-rates-increases-within-cap-fourth-consecutive-year