16-02 – Special Variation and Minimum Rate Variation Guidelines and Process for 2016/17
What’s new or changing
- To advise councils of the release of the guidelines for Special Variation and Minimum Rate Variation for the 2016/17 rating year.
What this will mean for your council
- A council that is affected by a merger proposal will not be eligible to apply for a special or minimum rate variation for the 2016/17 rating year.
- The Guidelines outline the process for all other councils seeking to apply for a special or minimum rate variation for 2016/17.
Key points
- Councils that are the subject of a proposed merger are not eligible to be considered for a special variation for the 2016/17 rating year.
- Completing a Fit for the Future proposal does not negate the requirements for each council to justify their application, undertake community consultation and ensure that proposed rate increases and resulting income form part of their Integrated Planning and Reporting documentation.
- There were no other major changes to the guidelines for 2016/17.
- Changes effected have removed ambiguity, improved clarity and include a flowchart and an application checklist.
- Proposed guidelines for the streamlined special variation process outlined in the Fit for the Future package will be considered for the 2017/18 rating year.
Where to go for further information
- The 2016/17 Special Variation and Minimum Rate Variation guidelines are available on the Office’s website at Rating and Special Variations.
- All councils who are intending to apply for a Special Variation or Minimum Rate Variation in 2016/17 should contact IPART well in advance of submitting an application.
Tim Hurst
Acting Chief Executive