The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has released its draft decision on Central Coast Council's request to increase water rates from July 1. IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly said the IPART’s draft decisions would allow the annual bill for typical household using 170 kilolitres per year to increase by 8.7% plus inflation in 2026-27. It woujld increase by … [Read more...] about IPART flags water rise of 8.7% plus inflation
IPART
A drain on resources
Councillors are being asked to send a plea to the Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig asking for ways to allow council to continue to levy ratepayers a drainage charge. Under Water management rules, council can not levy the drainage charge after June 30, 2026. So Council wants the Minister to let them charge the ratepayer for the service under the Local Government … [Read more...] about A drain on resources
Thanks but no thanks – IPART loses review
The State Government has pulled the plug on IPART delving into the sustainability of NSW’s 128 Councils. It comes four days after the closing date for public comments on the draft terms of reference for the review. Premier Minns told the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) the reason was to avoid unnecessary duplication - ".....as the matter was now being … [Read more...] about Thanks but no thanks – IPART loses review
Council forecasts future deficits
Wants to keep the rate hike due to expire in 2031 Council-under-administration has flagged a growing gap between recurring income and expenditure. In its long term financial plan, which estimates the growth in income and expenditure for the next ten years, a deficit kicks in in 2026-27. The size of the deficit changes depending on four scenarios. But the one scenario … [Read more...] about Council forecasts future deficits
CEO v Resident on due process
CEO David Farmer has outlined in a four page letter to IPART that he supports a change in methodology for rate pegging. "Overall, the proposed changes are a step in the right direction towards allowing councils to adequately increase their income from rates to support the increases in costs to provide services to the community," Mr Farmer said. "The proposed changes to the … [Read more...] about CEO v Resident on due process
