Special Variations & Minimum Rates 2023-24

Seventeen NSW local councils have notified us of their intention to increase rates in 2023-24

IPART has received letters from 17 NSW councils notifying us of their intent to apply for a special variation to increase their income above the rate peg. The applications are due by 3 February 2023 however we have granted some councils an extension until 3 March 2023.

Once councils lodge their application, we will upload council’s completed application forms and supporting documents on our website to give interested stakeholders an opportunity to review council’s material. Stakeholders will then be able to make a submission regarding council’s SV application.

What can I do before February 2023?

We would encourage you to familiarise yourself with the special variation assessment criteria set by the Office of Local Government NSW. Their criteria are what we use to assess a special variation application. More information about the criteria is available here and a summary of the criteria is available below:

• a demonstrated need for higher increases to charges
• community awareness of council’s plans
• a reasonable impact on ratepayers
• a process to exhibit relevant council documents to the public
• a history of well-documented council productivity improvements and cost containment strategies

Please also ensure you are subscribed to receive updates from IPART here (select: Local Government) to ensure that you are kept in the loop about consultation opportunities.

Where can I find more information?

There is more detail on the special variations process on our website here. Our fact sheet and information paper on special variations, our fact sheet and information paper on minimum rate increases along with our information paper on community engagement and awareness are also useful resources.

What councils are applying?

The table below shows which councils have indicated they will apply, and if they have indicated they are applying for a special variation, or a special variation and minimum rates increase. It also shows the councils that have been granted an extension to the application deadline from 3 February 2023 to 3 March 2023.

Enquiries

Any enquiries regarding special variation or minimum rate applications should be directed to Edward Jenkins by email to Edward_Jenkins@ipart.nsw.gov.au or by phone on (02) 9113 7774.