Understanding Rates

Council’s income from rates forms the largest single portion of revenue. Understanding how rates work and how rates are calculated can be quite confusing. Rates are determined in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993. 

In Singleton, while rates collectively generate a significant amount of money for services and infrastructure, income from rates do not cover everything. The balance of Council’s income is made up of grant and development contribution funding, user fees and charges, as well as interest and investment revenue.

General purpose rates increase

IPART has approved a 5.7% increase in total general purpose rate income for 2024/2025.

Brochure

To assist residents in understanding rates, Council has prepared a rating information brochure, which is included in your rates + charges notice. 

Your Rates + Charges 2024-2025 

Rebates for pensioners 

Council has a Pensioner Concession Policy to provide guidance for applying the provisions of the maximum rate and charges rebates applicable to eligible pensioners. Existing pensioners will receive their rates notice with a rebate deducted. If the rebate has not been confirmed by Centrelink a new application may be required.

New pensioners wishing to claim the reduction are required to complete a Pensioner Concession Application Form, you can drop into Council with your pension card and fill out a form, ring Council and complete a verbal application form or complete the PDF editable form online.

To be eligible to receive a rebate, the owner must live at the property and state that address on the pension card. If the property is in more than one name all pensioners living at that property must fill in a separate form.

If you have a mobility issue, please call Council on T 02 6578 7290 to organise alternative arrangements.