COUNCIL rates will rise by no more than 2.75 per cent in the next financial year, following a decision by the state government aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures for households. The cap, announced on 23 December by Local Government Minister Nick Staikos, will be lowered from the current three per cent cap. This is based on the forecast consumer price index, which limits how much councils can increase their total revenue from general rates and municipal charges in 2026–27. The decision falls under the Fair Go Rates system, which links annual rate increases to inflation. The cap was set after…
Wednesday, January 14
