Consultation has closed on Council's proposed Rates Harmonisation
February 2021 Update
Community consultation (20 March 2020 and 30 September 2020) showed the majority being in favour of Option 1 – no Special Rate Variation increase (SRV) and a transition over 5 years to a single rates structure across the Local Government Area commencing from 1 July 2021.
Council received 550 written submissions during the consultation period, of which 65% supported Option 1. Council also carried out a community survey, which revealed 63% of residents and businesses also supported Option 1.
Subsequently, Council considered a Rates Harmonisation report, Item No: C10/20-582, at the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 21 October 2020 (see report here), whereby Council adopted Option 1 (no SRV) and in principle a gradual harmonisation of rates (see Council resolution here), noting current legislation has no provision for a phased implementation of rates harmonisation and requires Council to have one rating structure in place by 1 July 2021. A draft bill is being considered by the State Government and if enacted, will allow gradual harmonisation over 4 years. This is Council’s preference as it will reduce impact on ratepayers.
In late 2020, Council lodged an application with the Minister for Local Government to harmonise minimum rates and, if approved, the new rates will take effect from 1 July 2021.
Council has written to ratepayers to advise them of the upcoming changes that, if approved, will take effect from 1 July 2021.
You can find more information on Changes to your rates page on the Council website.
October 2020 Update:
The survey is now closed, and submissions are now being reviewed. Thank you to all who provided feedback.
March - September 2020 Consultation:
Council is seeking your feedback on a proposal to adjust rates across the Cumberland City Local Government Area.
Since Cumberland City Council was established in 2016, there have been 3 different rate structures across Cumberland City. With an increase of 40,000 new residents, increased costs and loss of income through the merger of Councils, it is important for Cumberland City Council to look at options to make sure it stays financially sustainable and continue to provide and maintain community facilities services.
The process of rates harmonisation requires Council to lodge an application with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).Find out more information about IPART on their website.
Council will be looking to stage the harmonisation over a number of years to minimise the impact on ratepayers. There are 2 proposed options which we are seeking your feedback on.
Please note that submissions on this proposal closed on Wednesday 30 September 2020.
For more information, please download the information flyer or read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
If you have any other questions, please visit the Council website, or contact Cumberland City Council at Rates.Harmonisation@Cumberland.nsw.gov.au or (02) 8757 9000.
SUBMIT YOUR FEEDBACK ON THE PROPOSAL
Have your say on the proposed changes to your rates
All submissions may be subject to a request for access by any interested persons under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2008. You may request for your personal information to be suppressed under Section 58 of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. Please note suppression applications are subject to the consideration of Council officers.
