On average the 128 councils in NSW raise about a third of their revenue through rates. The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) determines how much each council’s total rates revenue can increase each year through the rate peg. This report outlines a new methodology to determine council rates.

Since 2016-17, the Victorian government has capped the amounts local governments can collect from their ratepayers. This paper argues that Victoria’s rate cap policy has inhibited a normal trend of expanding and improving local government services in line with population growth, rising living standards and economic expansion.

In recent years, the Victorian Ombudsman has heard concerns from ratepayers, financial counsellors and community lawyers about the way local councils treat people who cannot afford their council rates. This investigation focused on council hardship relief for homeowners (ratepayers who cannot pay rates on their primary residence).

The Fire Services Property Levy rate will be reduced on residential properties across the state as part of an overhaul that will make the charge simpler and more consistent - and reflect the establishment of Fire Rescue Victoria. Initiative: Freeze the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) collection levels

The Minister for Local Government has exercised his new powers under the Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020. Initiative: Residential ratepayers suffering financial hardship will not be charged interest on overdue rates