Council’s rating structure to be used in 2011/12 is generally unchanged from that used in 2010/11. Council adopted this structure when the 2011-12 Operational Plan was adopted on 21 June 2011. It also agreed to increase the income from rates by the State Government cap of 2.8%.

This means your residential rates will include a 50% base charge of $470.29. The remainder of your rates will be calculated based on your land value.

Your 2011/12 rates will also be calculated using the same land valuations as used in 2010/11. These are referred to as base date 1 July 2009 land values.

Council also resolved to:

• adopt the business category with sub-categories for the rating of large-scale industrial and commercial properties to be determined by the ad valorem method with a minimum rate of $619.50
• adopt the farmland category to be determined by the ad valorem method with a minimum rate of $619.50
• adopt the special business rates as outlined in the draft 2011-12 Operational Plan
• adopt the residential Stormwater Management Service Charge of $25 per non-strata property and $12.50 per strata unit
• adopt the business Stormwater Management Service Charge of $25 per 350m2 of land area capped at $1,000. Business strata units be calculated in the same manner but subject to a minimum of $12.50
• adopt the Domestic Waste Management Service Charge of $271.25
• adopt the Business Waste Management Service Charge of $180.31

Special rate

The same special rate provisions are recommended to continue to be levied in 2011/12.

Hunter Mall – defraying the cost of continuing additional horticultural and cleansing services and street furnishings

Mayfield Business District – defraying the additional cost of promotion, beautification and development of the Mayfield Business District

Hamilton Business District - defraying the additional cost of promotion, beautification and development of the Hamilton Business District

Wallsend Business District - defraying the additional cost of promotion, beautification and development of the Wallsend Business District

New Lambton Business District - defraying the additional cost of promotion, beautification and development of the New Lambton Business District

Citycentre Benefit - defraying the additional cost of promotion, beautification and development of the Citycentre Benefit Area.

Rate assistance provisions

Currently the following rate assistance options exist where ratepayers are experiencing financial difficulties:

• deferral of rates and charges against the estate. This scheme applies to all ratepayers provided that they satisfy the eligibility criteria
• write-off of accrued interest
• negotiation of special arrangements to pay rates and charges and
• financial assistance via Section 356 of the Act.

Ratepayers experiencing financial difficulties should contact Council's Rates Information Hotline on 02 4974 2312 for further information.