IPART exhibit SRV applications and seek further comment from community

EXCERPT FROM IPART MEDIA RELEASE:

Twelve councils across NSW have officially applied to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to increase their general revenue above the rate peg in 2016-17.

The rate peg for 2016-17 is set at 1.8%. Councils requiring additional revenue are able to apply to IPART for either single year or successive annual percentage increases above the rate peg. These special variations can be permanent or temporary, and are assessed against guidelines published by the Office of Local Government.

IPART Chairman Dr Peter Boxall said all applications will be determined by IPART by mid-May and could be applied to rates for the 2016-17 year. “Each application will be carefully assessed against the criteria established by the Office of Local Government with councils required to demonstrate the need for and the purpose of the additional revenue, evidence of community consultation and an assessment of the impact on affected ratepayers,” Dr Boxall said. “As councils must engage with the community when assessing options for a special variation, we expect councils will have sought and considered the community’s views on the special variation.”

“Community members wishing to make submissions directly to IPART can do so until 14 March 2016, and these submissions will be considered as part of our determination.”

Full details about the assessment criteria for Special Variations, the detailed proposals submitted by each council and how to lodge a submission can be found at www.ipart.nsw.gov.au.