Rates Information Package
2015/16
2 June 2015
ECM 627080
LGA RATES INFORMATION PACKAGE
For use by Elected Members and Council Staff
2015/16
Overview
The Local Government Association (LGA) recommends Councils prepare an annual “Rates
Information Package” to help Elected Members and staff relay Council budget information to
the community and or media i.e. at community presentations or responding to questions.
This information is updated annually and is now available for the 2015/16 rating year. It is
suggested an appropriate Rates Information package should include the following
information.
RATES INFORMATION PACKAGE
Introduction letter
A plain English explanation of the purpose of the information pack should be included in the
Information Package. The introduction should explain the purpose of the package and
provide examples of when it might be used, e.g. for assistance and reference at community
information presentations in answering questions from members of the public and
consistency with replying to media.
It would also be helpful to include names and contact number for appropriate council staff
member/s to handle queries about the package.
Sample current Rate Notice
A sample copy of a current rate notice will enable quick reference to any detail or item
contained on the notice as well as providing correct wording and entry identification for
queries.
2015/16 Annual Business Plan (summary) and Budget information
The annual business plan is Councils basic statement of its intended programs and
outcomes for the year. It links Councils longer term planning for its areas as set out in its
strategic management plans, with the allocation of resources in its budget. An annual
business plan summary must be sent out with the first quarterly rate notice.
Since the annual business plan and the budget are so closely inter-related many Councils
may choose to combine them in a consolidated document as long as all content required by
the legislation is addressed. It is a matter of preference for each Council whether it considers
that the relevant information is best communicated in a consolidated document.
Example budget information to be provided either in the annual business plan or as a
separate document:
 Total Expenditure
o Where this money will be spent
 Total Income (indicate various components)
 Capital Expenditure e.g.
o Significant projects
o New initiatives
ECM 627080
LGA RATES INFORMATION PACKAGE
For use by Elected Members and Council Staff – 2015/16
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o Renewal of assets
Rates Information
Basis of property valuation
Calculation of rates
Average rate increases
Rate in dollar declarations
See the LGA website www.lga.sa.gov.au/goto/fsp for a copy of Local Government Financial
Sustainability Information Paper No 13, Annual Business Plan.
Natural Resources Management Levy (NRM)
Councils are required to collect a regional Natural Resources Management (NRM) Levy on
all rateable properties on behalf of regional NRM boards (State Government). The regional
NRM boards invest this levy in managing and protecting priority water, land, marine and
biodiversity assets. General inquiries relating to the levy should be directed to the regional
NRM board(s) in the first instance. Resources such as a promotions flyer and a “Frequent
Answers and Questions” document are available from respective regional NRM boards. This
information should also be included in the Rates Information package.
Budget and Rates Fact Sheet
Example information to be included:
Summary of Budget Facts with Rates explanations
Frequently asked questions and answers
List of Council Services
Explanation of any significant issues that have been incorporated into the budget such as;
 Valuation movements
 Strategic Plan initiatives
 Asset Management strategies
Rate Policy 2015/16
Health Services
Community Services
Religious purposes
Public Cemeteries
Royal Zoological Society
Educational purposes
Discretionary Rebates
(Including eligibility and application processes)
State Government Concession Information
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Concessions on Community Waste Water Management Systems (CWMS)
Information on the Cost of Living Concession
Seniors Rate Postponement Scheme
Ratepayers who hold a State seniors card are entitled to postpone payment of a large
component of the rates on their principle place of residence (unless the residence was
mortgaged before 2007 for more than 50% of its current capital value). Therefore, the rates
information package should include:
ECM 627080
LGA RATES INFORMATION PACKAGE
For use by Elected Members and Council Staff – 2015/16
2
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application form
Information Sheet
Rating Policy
If the Council has a Rating Policy it should be included in the Information Package. The
LGA has a Model Rating Policy provided as an attachment to the LG FS Information Paper
No 20, Rating and other Funding Policy Options at www.lga.sa.gov.au/goto/fsp.
ECM 627080
LGA RATES INFORMATION PACKAGE
For use by Elected Members and Council Staff – 2015/16
3