Councils muddying waters on rates, says Ben Wyatt

Local authorities say they will not be able to put a freeze on rates to help people through the COVID-19 crisis unless the WA Government decides to scrap this year’s statutory land revaluations. City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said otherwise the State Government would charge the City about $300,000 for the compulsory process. “The City, in its strongest voice possible, calls for revaluations to be scrapped this year,” he said. “A revaluation in a year like this will, as always, result in some ratepayers getting rate rises and others rate cuts. “This uncertainty is not needed in these times.” Shire of Carnarvon president Eddie Smith said his council “totally agreed”. “To do valuations this year will at best be problematic, at worst increase community distress,” he said. “To freeze valuations, rates and charges to the same as last year is the only equitable way forward in our opinion.” Dandaragan Shire president Leslee Holmes said she “totally agreed”. Lands Minister Ben Wyatt said he suspected some councils were trying to “muddy the waters” so they did not have to pass on a rate cut to their residents next year. “The regional council rates to be issued this year will be based on the same gross rental value as the current rates notice,” he said. Mr Wyatt said the next regional revaluation was scheduled for 2020-21, with a valuation date of August 1, 2020, which would not come into force until July 1 next year. “It is highly likely that regional GRV will reduce, following the same path as the recently revaluated metropolitan GRV, meaning councils could reduce council rates for households in 2021-22,” he said. Mr Wyatt said local governments were aware the valuer-general updated the GRV every three years under legislation in place since 1978. “I suggest they focus on their budgets so they can deliver for their residents,” he said.