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2023 COUNCIL COMMUNITY SATISFACTION RESULTS
OVERALL STATEWIDE PERFORMANCE
56%
DIRECTION OF COUNCILS
46%
(WORST RESULTS ON RECORD)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT SNAPSHOT
$12 Billion in revenue per annum (VIC)
POOR STANDARDS & POOR ACCOUNTABILITY
"We identified: expenditure where it was unclear to us how residents and ratepayers benefited, practices that may not meet public expectations, non compliance with legislative requirements aimed at ensuring transparency over council practices to their communities and regulators.
Some individuals in positions of authority need to take a broader view of their obligations. They must appreciate that they are accountable to ratepayers and residents and consider how their communities may perceive their actions." Victorian Auditor General
Council Staff Turnover is an
increasing problem
(Source VAGO)
Councils with a complaints KPI
(Source Vic Ombudsman)
We are the only people's watchdog that hold Councils to account.
Why Are my Rates so High?
It's not as simple as a small increase each year.
There are many ways councils can increase your rates by large amounts.
Despite rate capping, your rates can increase or decrease based on the change in your annual property valuation amount.
If your annual valuation has fluctuated extremely and you think the amount is wrong - you CAN dispute the valuation.
YOU ONLY HAVE 60 DAYS FROM THE ISSUE OF YOUR RATES NOTICE TO DO SO - SO ACT FAST (your rates notice will explain how you can dispute the valuation)
Hardship
If you are struggling to pay your rates, you are not alone.
More than 60% of ratepayers have indicated that they are finding it harder this year to pay their rates bills.
Councils CAN charge penalty interest for late payments, but generally will not, if you enter into a payment plan.
If you are suffering real hardship - you have lost your job, you have a serious medical condition and cannot work or something like this, please call your Council and ask them to apply for hardship immediately.
If you require more help in objecting to your rates or you are struggling to pay your rates there are options available.
If you are struggling with your rates and cannot object then speak to your council about a payment plan and ask them not to charge you any penalty interest whilst you make installments.
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