Questions & answers
What is IPART?
IPART is the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. It has a number of functions relating to local government.
- It sets the rate peg for councils i.e. maximum allowable percentage increase in Local Government general income.
- It reviews applications for councils seeking to increase their general income above the rate peg (Special Variations).
- It reviews council applications to increase certain minimum rates.
What is rate pegging?
Rate pegging is the percentage limit by which all councils in NSW may increase the total income they will receive from rates. The rate peg is set each year by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). The rate peg for the 2012/13 financial year is 3.6%.
Where does Council get its income from?
Council has a number of sources of revenue, including: rates, fees and charges, grants, commercial activities, investments and borrowings. Rates makes up roughly half Council’s revenue.
Contact us
City Administration Centre
282 King Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
Tel: 02 4974 2000