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
The annual local council rate cap sets the maximum amount a council can increase general rates and municipal charges.
View information on the higher cap applications we receive and our decisions to accept or reject those applications.
Access resources to help councils comply with rate caps, and view our reporting on compliance.
We report on rate capping outcomes and identify any impacts or trends that might be emerging across the local government sector.
View research and findings that promote the long-term interests of ratepayers.
Featured work
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.
We assess, then accept or reject higher rate caps proposed by councils. In 2021, no councils applied for a new variation to the 2021-22 financial year rate cap.
Access resources for councils to effectively engage with communities about higher cap applications.