Wyndham City Council will operate under a rate cap for the first time today, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

The Fair Go Rates system caps average increased general rates and municipal charges to 2.5 per cent for 2016-17.

Tim Pallas MP said Wyndham City Council had an average rate increase of 5.40%] over the past decade, and that the new cap would ease the burden on local residents.

Across Victoria, the average increase was almost 6 per cent every year, for the last ten years.

Tim Pallas MP said that a result of the Labor Government’s action, average rate bills would increase at a lower rate than they had over the past decade.

Fair Go Rates is part of the Labor Government’s agenda to reform the local government sector, including a review of the Local Government Act, an overhaul of council governance standards and an improved performance reporting framework.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins:

“Everyone paying rates this year can be rest assured their bill won’t be as high as it could have been if we didn’t introduce the Fair Go Rates system.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas

“With an average increase of 5.40% over the past decade, Wyndham Council residents will finally get some rates relief.”

 “The Andrews Labor Government is reforming local government, making it more transparent and ensuring councils are listening to their community.”