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
As required under the Local Government Act, we:
- assess, then accept or reject higher cap applications
- undertake council compliance reports, provide advice to the Minister for Local Government on the annual rate cap and other matters
- develop guidance and resources for councils and undertake studies and reviews as required
- report on outcomes in the sector following the introduction of rate capping.
Access resources to help councils comply with rate caps, and view our reporting on compliance.
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.
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
On 8 October 2024, the Commission was asked to appear before the Victorian Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee Inquiry into Local Government funding and services. Below are the opening remarks made by the Commission’s chairperson.
We have released our latest council rate cap compliance report, which has found all 79 Victorian councils kept their rates at or below the level set by the cap amount for 2023-24.
We have released a report on the outcomes of the first six years of rate capping in Victoria, identifying impacts and trends emerging across the local government sector.
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.