By Oliver Lees
The Sunbury Residents Association is requesting that any rate increase at Hume council in the next financial year be kept to a minimum, as the state government announces changes to its Fair Go Rates System.
The Fair Go Rates System sets a maximum rate cap increase each financial year to try and limit uncontrolled rate hikes and to provide councils with a clear framework.
The new maximum increase would be 1.75 per cent, up from 1.5 per cent on the advice from the Essential Services Commission.
Sunbury Residents Association president Graham Williams said the difficulties faced by residents during the pandemic in the past year should be considered in establishing the rates in the municipality.
“If Hume was to push for a significant increase we would expect to see clear supporting evidence of the requirement as part of the community consultation and transparency expectations during the 2022-23 budget processes,” Mr Williams said.
He said that all expenditure should be in accordance with the prepared annual budget, and that discretionary and ad-hoc items be kept to a minimum.
Municipal Association of Victoria president, councillor David Clark said in a time of COVID recovery, councils are conscious of minimising financial impacts on families and businesses.
“Since the introduction of the rate cap, additional ratepayer costs have actually been driven by state government charges, levied through rates – rather than local governments.
“The impact of ongoing rate capping is that councils around the state are now making serious decisions about service levels and resourcing for programs.
“With multiple cost pressures in mind, local government is stuck in a parallel universe on expectations.”
Hume council corporate services director Daryl Whitford said council supported the Fair Go Rates System changes and expects to include the 1.75 per cent rate increase in the next budget.
“Council supports the rate increase and is essential in order for Council to provide the services and important infrastructure everyone in our growing community need and deserve,” Mr Whitford said.
Hume council’s draft budget will be released for consultation in April.
