No rates cap on growth councils

No rates cap on growth councilsGrowth area councils should be exempt from the State Government’s rates capping plans when it is introduced next year, according to the Property Council of Australia.”While a uniform rates cap is supported by the industry, the framework needs to recognise the unique pressures faced by councils experiencing Victoria’s population growth,” said the Property Council’s Victorian Executive Director, Jennifer Cunich.Recent population projections published by the State Government shows that around half of the population growth in Melbourne out to 2031 will take place in the designated growth areas.”If the communities are to provide infrastructure and services at a pace similar to population growth, they will need a freer hand on rates,” said Ms Cunich.”The Property Council has made a number of recommendations to the ESC on how councils can better meet the community’s budget expectations.”To unlock more sources of funding, we have encouraged all councils to explore ways they can recycle existing assets to generate much need infrastructure capital. We’ve also encouraged greater wage restraint.The Property Council congratulated the State Government on its review of Victoria’s local government rating system, which will ensure improved fairness for taxpayers and boost business confidence.”We are pleased to see the Government’s commitment to a simpler and flatter rating structure for councils, and look forward to working with the ESC on the design and delivery of this framework.”The Property Council’s submission to the ESC’s rates capping and variation framework can be found atwww.propertycouncil.com.au/vic”While a uniform rates cap is supported by the industry, the framework needs to recognise the unique pressures faced by councils experiencing Victoria’s population growth,” said the Property Council’s Victorian Executive Director, Jennifer Cunich.Recent population projections published by the State Government shows that around half of the population growth in Melbourne out to 2031 will take place in the designated growth areas.”If the communities are to provide infrastructure and services at a pace similar to population growth, they will need a freer hand on rates,” said Ms Cunich.”The Property Council has made a number of recommendations to the ESC on how councils can better meet the community’s budget expectations.”To unlock more sources of funding, we have encouraged all councils to explore ways they can recycle existing assets to generate much need infrastructure capital. We’ve also encouraged greater wage restraint.The Property Council congratulated the State Government on its review of Victoria’s local government rating system, which will ensure improved fairness for taxpayers and boost business confidence.”We are pleased to see the Government’s commitment to a simpler and flatter rating structure for councils, and look forward to working with the ESC on the design and delivery of this framework.”The Property Council’s submission to the ESC’s rates capping and variation framework can be found atwww.propertycouncil.com.au/vic