Draft Annual Business Plan & Rate Relief

LG Leader April 2020

It is, again, that time of year (and despite the current uncertain and unprecedented issues) when councils are actively considering the content and adoption of the draft annual business plan (and draft budget) for consultation, with a view to adopting the same for the purposes of the declaration of rates. With some councils considering different rate relief options for the 2020/21, section 123(2)(d) and (e) of the Local Government Act 1999 are to be given particular attention by ensuring that the draft annual business plan sets out the rates structure and policies for the financial year. It must also assess the impact of the rates structure and policies on the community based on modelling that has been undertaken or obtained by the council. Clearly, information contained within the draft annual business plan will need to address rate relief options.

Accordingly, it is entirely appropriate for councils to resolve to include reference (or even detail) in the draft annual business plan for the purposes of consultation about the issue of relief for ratepayers. In this regard, what a council resolves at its meeting when the proposed draft annual business plan is considered, is to be included in the final draft before it is placed on consultation. The final decisions about such matters, will be made when the Council considers the submissions received and determines the final form and content of the annual business plan for the 2020/21 financial year, as the basis of its budget and rates declaration process.

Let us know if you would like your Council’s draft annual business plan reviewed for compliance purposes prior to consultation.

Click here to see our flyer regarding settling all aspects of the rate declaration process.

For more information please contact Natasha Jones on njones@kelledyjones.com.au or 08 8113 7102.