Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. IPART approved Glen Innes Severn Council’s Special Rate Variation and minimum rate increase application in decisions released on 2 June 2026.

• IPART approved a 48.3% cumulative increase over three years.
• The approved increases are 21.5% in 2026–27, 12.0% in 2027–28 and 9.0% in 2028–29.
• IPART also approved increases to the minimum ordinary residential and business rates to $774 in 2026–27, $867 in 2027–28 and $945 in 2028–29

IPART assesses applications against set criteria, including whether the council showed financial need, whether the community was aware of the proposal, whether the impact on ratepayers was reasonable, and whether the council had the required planning documents and productivity measures in place.

No. Glen Innes Severn was one of nine councils approved by IPART in the 2026–27 round. Other approved councils were Ballina Shire, Blacktown City, Central Coast, Hawkesbury City, Ku-ring-gai, Muswellbrook Shire, North Sydney and Uralla Shire. Cessnock City Council was not approved.

This table shows the average rates for each category over four years, highlighting the overall increase from 2025–26 to 2028–29.

This table breaks down the yearly increases, showing how much rates are expected to rise each year and the total increase over the period.

These figures are average figures only and have been rounded. Individual rates may vary depending on the rating category and how the rate is calculated for a specific property.

Not necessarily. The figures in the table are average figures only. What an individual ratepayer pays will vary depending on the rating category and how the rate is calculated for that property.

An SRV is a request made by Council to increase rates by more than the usual amount allowed by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). Each year, IPART sets a limit on how much rates can be raised, known as the rate peg. 

NSW councils can apply to IPART for an SRV to the rate peg which will be considered against the guidelines set by the NSW Office of Local Government. SRVs can only happen if Council applies to the IPART for approval to increase its rates. If IPART approves the application, Council can then increase rates beginning in July.

Council must meet all the criteria required by IPART before a rate increase can be approved and supply detailed financial information, on how it plans to manage expenditure and contain costs and provide details about why it needs a special variation to rates.  

The rate peg is a regulatory mechanism set by IPART that allows councils to adjust their rates annually to account for normal cost increases, such as inflation and the rising costs of providing essential services. This peg is intended to ensure councils can maintain service levels while balancing financial sustainability.

If a council wishes to raise rates beyond the specified rate peg, it must submit a formal application to IPART for approval. This application must include comprehensive financial information detailing the council's cost management strategies and a clear justification for the proposed increase. Factors considered in the approval process may include the council's financial health, service delivery needs, and any unique circumstances that may warrant a higher rate adjustment.

The SRV does not affect service charges such as water, sewer, waste and stormwater drainage. It is only applied to the General Residential Rate line on your bill.

No,  IPART approved this as a permanent special variation, which means the increase stays in the rating base after the three-year period. After that, future changes would go through the normal annual process, including the application of the designated rate peg increase.

If Council chooses not to go ahead with a SRV, a reduction in services and the capital works program would need to occur. For Council to be financially sustainable in the long term it must achieve at least a break-even result in its General Fund. Rates would increase by the yearly rate peg only and Council’s operating deficit would increase in line with the Base Case forecast in Council’s draft Long Term Financial Plan. Over time, Council’s infrastructure and services will decline.

Council has a Financial Hardship Policy for people experiencing genuine financial difficulty. The policy says Council can consider payment arrangements, deferment, and waiving or writing off interest in some cases. Hardship assistance can apply to eligible residential and farmland properties, including properties affected by the Special Rate Variation, where genuine hardship exists.

The policy offers:

• Flexible payment plans tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
• Payment terms that may extend beyond 12 months, if required.
• Assistance in ensuring the debt against the property is reduced over time.
• Relief for hardship caused by specific property valuation changes.

To apply for assistance, you can contact Council:

• By phone: (02) 6730 2300
• By email: council@gisc.nsw.gov.au
• By post: Glen Innes Severn Council, 265 Grey Street, PO Box 61, NSW 2370

Once your request is received, Council will prepare a ‘Payment Arrangement’ form for your agreement and signature.

Many grants require funds to be spent on capital expenditure (eg. sporting fields, new community facilities) and are not used to fund day-to-day projects like asset renewal or maintenance. 

Council cannot solely rely on this form of income. In most instances grants require a co-contribution from Council. Grants are extremely competitive, and we may not be successful. 

Council staff are paid under the NSW Local Government Award. All Council salaries and wages are determined by this award.

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No. The 48.3% is the total increase over three years, not a one-off increase in a single year.

The approved increase will apply from the 2026–27 financial year.