We administer higher council rate caps, produce council compliance reports and conduct inquiries and reviews that promote sustainable outcomes for councils and the community.
Local government
View information on the higher cap applications we receive and whether we have accepted or rejected those applications.
We assess, then accept or reject higher rate caps proposed by councils.
View resources that aim to help councils apply for a higher cap, meet our reporting requirements and comply with the rate cap set by the minister or an approved higher cap.
Read compliance reports that determine whether councils have complied with the relevant rate cap when they sets their rates for each financial year.
View research and findings that promote the long-term interests of ratepayers.
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If you are having difficulty paying your rates, you should contact your council using the contact details provided on your rates notice. Most councils have a policy to assist ratepayers suffering financial hardship and options might include deferral of rates payments or payment plans. The details of these policies and the application process will vary between councils.
All Victorian councils must submit the annual compliance information template and rating system reports (as at 30 June and 1 July) by 30 October 2020.
This year, no councils applied for a new variation to the 2020-21 financial year rate cap. Three councils have previously approved higher rate caps that continue into 2020-21: Warrnambool City Council, Towong Shire Council and West Wimmera Shire Council.
Access resources for councils to effectively engage with communities about higher cap applications.