LGSA calls for rate review
February 24, 2019
The Local Government Association of South Australia has called for a review into statutory fees and charges at a roundtable convened in Adelaide earlier this month.
LGA President Mayor Sam Telfer said that local and state governments must work more collaboratively to drive downward pressure on rates across the state.
“Local government collects less than 4% of national taxation, which means that any external cost pressures are acutely felt by councils and their ratepayers,” Mayor Telfer said.
“The Solid Waste Levy is costing councils $34 million a year, and councils currently provide rate rebates worth more than $33 million per year.”
“In many cases, the fees councils are legislatively permitted to charge for functions such as planning assessments, building inspections and food inspections only meet 20-30% of the cost of providing these services, which means they are being heavily subsidised by ratepayers.”
Mayor Telfer said the sector has also identified a number of potential reform areas where it can improve its performance, with the support of the State Government and Parliament.
