Rate capping advocacy
This week the MAV met with Peter Brown who has been commissioned by the Essential Services Commission to undertake an independent review of its rate capping variation process.
The MAV highlighted concerns about the variation process in its first year, particularly the lack of clarity around the standards required to achieve a positive variation. We emphasised that the variation process should be more focused on confirming internal efficiencies of applications, rather than assessing community support for council proposals.
In addition, the MAV has provided a Submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry’s third report (PDF - 67.3KB) examining the impacts of rate capping. Our submission made observations about the first variation process, including the significant cost borne by some applicants and the apparent changing of the rules part way through the assessment process. We also identified some of the emerging consequences of rate capping, including reduced funding for a range of council services and delays in infrastructure projects.
The MAV has also called for the State to continue to financially support the ESC to assess variation applications. The MAV has also called for the State to continue to financially support the ESC to assess variation applications.
For further information, contact Owen Harvey-Beavis.