Consultation is now closed
Ran from Wednesday 22 January 2014 to 5pm Wednesday 5 March
2014
Contact:
Executive Manager - Corporate Services
Ph: (02) 9911
3510
Email
Events:
Staffed Exhibition
Lane Cove Plaza
5pm, Thursday 13
February 2014
Council Staff were available to personally
answer any enquiries regarding the minimum rate variation proposal.
Background
The Lane Cove Local Government Area (LGA) is currently
experiencing significant growth with a requirement to provide 3,900 new
dwellings by 2031. With this growth it is expected that there will be increased
demand for the provision of a wide range of services and facilities by
Council.
The majority of new dwellings in the LGA will be home units.
Therefore, under the current rating structure, the number of ratepayers on the
minimum rate will increase significantly in comparison to the number of other
residential ratepayers. In terms of equity, a smaller proportion of residential
ratepayers (generally those in houses) will effectively carry a greater
percentage of the rating burden despite all ratepayers having the same access to
services and facilities provided by Council.
Overview
Council is considering a proposal to apply to the Independent
Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for an increase in the minimum
residential rate.
The purpose of the proposal is to ensure equity in sharing the
rating burden, as at present 46% of residential rate payers, predominately home
unit properties on the minimum rate of $538, contribute 21% of rate income.
This proposal will not increase the amount of income Council
receives as ratepayers not on the minimum rate will receive a reduction in their
Rates.
Under the proposal, minimum rates will increase by 7% per annum
for the next five (5) years. The increase will be in addition to the normal rate
cap increase each year which has been set at 2.3% for 2014/15. This will mean
that for 2014/15 the minimum residential rate will increase by 9.3% to $588.
Related Documents
What Next?
IPART approved Council's application for a minimum rate variation in June 2014.