Differential rates mean there is a different rate in the dollar for different groups i.e. residential, commercial and industrial. The reason for them is so one group isn’t burdened by rate increases more significantly than others.
The rates paid on a property is calculated based on the potential rental value of the premises and the operating requirements of Council. The rates you pay are a proportionate share of what is needed by Council to provide local services and facilities. That is, if your home has greater potential rental return than your neighbours, you will pay a higher share of the total rates budgeted by Council.
The proposed differential rates for 2023/2024 are now up on YourThoughts for public comment. We welcome your feedback!
Your rates can increase if Council requires more funds to provide local services and or facilities. For example, if it builds new facilities, adds services or implements new initiatives.
Rates can also increase if your property increases in potential rental value faster than others in your area. For example, if you make improvements to your home that increase its rental value then your share of rates will increase.
Council budgets and consequently funds required through rates are also affected by changes made by other sectors of government. For example, if the state government increases its charges for power and water, or adds to the street lighting, that increase in cost will need to be met by councils.
The state government requires councils to collect the Emergency Services Levy from ratepayers. The funds raised go to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The funds do not go to councils and the rate charged is not set by councils.
2022/2023 rates
| Notices |
Issue Date |
Due date |
| Annual notice |
6th September 2022 |
Due 12th October 2022 |
| Second instalment |
6th November 2022 |
Due 12th December 2022 |
| Third instalment |
9th January 2023 |
Due 13th February 2023 |
| Fourth instalment |
14th March 2023 |
Due 18th April 2023 |
Pensioners with a valid seniors or concession card have been entitled to rate reductions depending on their status on council rates, water charges and the Emergency Services Levy. On 1 July 2016, the state government capped the rebate to pensioners at 50% of their rates up to $750.
We understand that sometimes people experience financial hardship which makes it difficult to meet all of their financial commitments when they are due. Please contact the Town’s rates department to arrange a suitable payment arrangement to settle your rates by the end of the financial year.
A copy of the budget is available in the Annual Budget section of the website or alternatively community members can call 9311 8111 to speak to one of the Town’s Finance officers.
On average rate payers should see an increase of 3.5% on last years rates.
Income generated from rates is used to provide services run from facilities such as the library, leisure centres as well as community development programs such as events, public art programs and safety initiatives. Your rates also helps to provide essential services such as waste collection, and is used for maintaining and improving the Town’s infrastructure such as parks, roads, footpaths and drainage and provide services relating to environmental health, animal control, local business support.
It is not reasonable to compare rates (and rate rises) with other councils as each council is unique in growth, services, and residential property versus commercial property ratios. The majority of local governments have already indicated a 4% change in rates this financial year.
Increased cost shifting and legislation from state government means increased administration costs for councils to facilitate the collection of fees for various services and rebates. If the state government increases the cost of power, water and other utilities, these costs are passed on to you via rate increases.
All councils also rely on and compete for additional funds from the state and federal government through assistance grants and funding bid opportunities. Without these we would not be able to implement large scale infrastructure projects or subsidise health and safety initiatives such as installing CCTV cameras.
Around 76% of Council’s operating revenue budget is met through rate revenue.
A payment arrangement can be made if you are unable to pay in full or by instalments. The Town has also adopted a Financial Hardship Policy. Please contact the Rates Team to discuss your options.
If you have not yet paid your bill or if you have any concerns, please contact our Rates team on 9311 8111 or email rates@vicpark.wa.gov.au who will be able to help you.
If you own property in a SUPP 6 or NRUPP Underground Power area and you have an underground power service charge showing (raised under the local government act 1995) it is to help pay for the undergrounding of power lines in your area.
If you have updated your details or made changes to your underground payment plan, that aren’t reflected in this new notice, it is likely that your details have been updated but were made after we sent the notice data to our printer to meet our deadline. You can confirm by contacting our Rates team on 9311 8111 or email rates@vicpark.wa.gov.au who will be able to help you.