Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Over the past four years, there have been 37 applications for SRVs across various councils, with average increases ranging from 8% to 93%. The average increase for the 2023/24 financial year was 36.7%.

These SRVs are primarily aimed at maintaining existing services and assets, rather than funding new initiatives. This trend indicates a reactive approach to financial planning, as many councils find themselves needing to rely on SRVs to sustain their operations.

Several councils in the North-West and New England regions have successfully applied for SRVs, including:

• Tamworth Regional Council: 36.3% over two years (2024/25)
• Armidale Regional Council: 58.8% over three years (2023/24)
• Walcha Council: 57.74% across three years (2023/24)
• Tenterfield Council: 43% in one year (2023/24)
• Liverpool Plains Shire Council: 18.1% in one year (2023/24)

Glen Innes Severn Council has not applied for an SRV in over 11 years. 

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.

Have Your Say Page

Council’s dedicated Have Your Say page will provide detailed information about the Shaping Tomorrow program including the public exhibition of IP&R documents and SRV options. It serves as the central hub for accessing key documents and feedback tools.

Visit: https://haveyoursay.gisc.nsw.gov.au/

Take the Online Survey

Delivered by Micromex, the online survey invites residents and ratepayers to answer a series of questions about the proposed SRV.  

Phone Survey

Also delivered by Micromex, the phone survey will involve Micromex interviewers contacting a representative sample of residents and ratepayers. Participants cannot opt in or request to take the phone survey.

Community Information Sessions (face-to-face)

Members of the community and other interested persons, organisations and agencies may attend an in-person session to ask questions and provide feedback:

• Emmaville Community Hall: 5 May 2025, 5 pm - 7 pm 
• Glen Innes Town Hall: 14 May 2025, 5 pm – 7 pm
• Deepwater Hall: 27 May 2025 5 pm - 7 pm

Community Information Sessions (Virtual)

Members of the community who cannot attend an in-person information session have the opportunity to participate in a virtual session via Teams. Links available on Council’s Have Your Say page:

• 6 May 2025, 5:30 pm – 7 pm
• 15 May 2025, 5.30 pm – 7 pm 
• 28 May 2025, 5.30 pm – 7 pm

In past engagement activities, including our most recent round of community consultation, attendance at meetings in some smaller villages was extremely low. To make the best use of time and resources, Council is focusing on locations that allow us to reach the greatest number of people.

Yes, Council will be holding three virtual sessions, which will also be recorded and made available for those who are unable to attend. The virtual sessions will be held on:

• Monday 6 May, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

• Wednesday 15 May, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

• Tuesday 28 May, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

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. 

No. 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.

Applications for a special rate variation with IPART close 5 February. In order for Council to consider feedback from the community as well as meet the criteria under IPART’s assessment, consultation, feedback and engagement needs to occur now.

Council’s Financial Hardship Policy helps residents who are struggling to meet their Council Rates, Fees, and Charges. 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.

Council will be conducting a series of community information sessions held online and in-person in Deepwater, Emmaville and Glen Innes over the Shaping Tomorrow engagement period. Click here to find out more. 

You can also download the Community Info Pack here.

Submissions will be provided to Council and this will be shared with Councillors who will be voting on the proposed SRV at the June 2025 Ordinary Council meeting.