Jordan Doherty
Brimbank council has criticised the state government’s decision to set up the 2023-2024 council rare cap at 3.5 per cent, saying it doesn’t reflect the “real rising costs” incurred by local governments
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Bruce Lancashire said: “The 3.5 per cent rate cap to be applied to all Victorian Councils for the 2023-24 financial year does not reflect the real rising costs of delivering the vital services, asset maintenance, and infrastructure renewal local communities need and deserve.
“Brimbank Council is disappointed with the rate cap announced by the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Melissa Horne MP, which is below the 4 per cent cap recommended by the independent Essential Services Commission (ESC). The ESC recommendation better anticipated the needs of Councils to deliver vital services and infrastructure, while still remaining below inflation and predicted Consumer Price Index (CPI increases for 2023.
“We are already experiencing increases in the range of 6 to 8 per cent for utilities costs and contracts for capital works and other services, and anticipate these will likely continue to rise. We absolutely recognise the impacts of rising costs on our residents – we are all rate payers too – however, it’s important that Local Government is able to ensure the viability of the hundreds of on-the-ground services and infrastructure relied upon – and expected – by our communities each and every day.
“We do provide support for residents experiencing financial hardship and offer payment plans
to residents having difficulties paying their rates.”
