Local Government Minister Nick Staikos has set Victoria’s council rate cap at 2.75 per cent for 2025–26, saying the decision – based on CPI forecasts – is designed to relieve household cost-of-living strain.
“The rates cap has made a real difference to household budgets,” Staikos said, adding that revised guidelines will also ensure council waste charges reflect the true cost of kerbside services.
The Municipal Association of Victoria criticised the cap as too low to meet rising costs in construction, materials and services, warning it could force cuts to essential programs and infrastructure unless the system is reformed.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald.