Feedback sought on local government rating system

IPART has released the Issues Paper for its Review of the Local Government Rating System.

In December 2015 the Premier of NSW provided IPART with terms of reference to undertake a review of the current rating system.  The Issues Paper outlines how IPART proposes to approach its review, explains how stakeholders can provide input, and discusses the issues on which IPART particularly seeks comment. 

The Issues Paper and a summary Fact Sheet, as well as the Terms of Reference for the review, are available on IPART’s website.

Submissions on the issues raised in the Issues Paper should be submitted by 13 May 2016. 

The Property Council supports initiatives to strengthen the financial capability and sustainability of local government.  The rating system has a critical role to play.

We support retaining a rating system that is based on unimproved land values. Shifting to an improved value rating system would have a substantial inflationary impact across all aspects of the statutory valuation process.

We are open to a conversation about amending the system of rate pegging. NSW is the only state in Australia to retain rate pegging.

If you would like to contribute to the Property Council’s submission please contact Evelyn Subagio at [email protected].