City of Fremantle rate notices arriving soon

City of Fremantle rate notices will be arriving in letterboxes and in-boxes across Fremantle in the next few days.

Earlier this month Fremantle Council adopted the 2020-21 annual budget that features no increase in rate revenue and a freeze on the majority of fees and charges.

The decision to maintain rate revenue at the same level as the previous financial year was made in recognition of the financial impact of COVID-19 on ratepayers and the business community.

While the City has committed to no overall increase in rate revenue this year, individual rate notices may go up or down depending on the change in the Gross Rental Value of specific properties following revaluations by the state government’s Valuer General.

Almost three quarters of Fremantle ratepayers will see their rate notice for 2020-21 either stay the same or go down compared to last year’s rates bill. Ten per cent will see an increase of less than two per cent, and 16 per cent of ratepayers will see their rates go up by more than two per cent.

For more information on how local governments calculate rates please visit the Council Rates Explained page on the WA Local Government Association website.

To assist ratepayers that may be experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 or other reasons Fremantle Council has adopted a new Financial Hardship Policy.

The support offered under the policy includes the City accepting reduced payments and establishing an alternative payment plan, pausing the payment of rates, administration fees and charges, ceasing penalty interest for up to six months and suspending debt recovery action.  

To view the Financial Hardship Policy, including eligibility criteria, click here.

The information booklet sent out with rate notices also includes vouchers offering buy one, get one free entry to the pool and group fitness sessions at Fremantle Leisure Centre and discounts on membership and party hire at Fremantle Toy Library. 

Fremantle ratepayers have the option of paying their rates by direct debit, with all instalment options available for deduction straight from their bank account. More information on how to pay rates by direct debit will be included with the rate notice.

Payments can be made over the phone by calling 1300 658 371, on the Payments page of the City of Fremantle website, by BPay via your financial institution, by mail or in person at Australia Post or the City of Fremantle.

State government rebates on local government rates are available to pensioners and seniors.

Pensioner Concession Card holders, State Concession Card holders  and the holders of both a WA Seniors Card and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card are entitled to receive up to a 50 per cent rebate on local government rates.

The holders of a WA Seniors Card only are entitled to receive a rebate of up to 25 per cent.

An application form for rebates on local government rates is available through the Water Corporation. Applications are accepted over the phone on 1300 659 951, or online at www.watercorporation.com.au.

Rates on individual properties are based on the property’s Gross Rental Value as determined by the Valuer General. Further information on how properties are valued and how to lodge an objection is available on the Land Valuations page of the Landgate website.

The rate notice includes the state government’s Emergency Services Levy, which is used to fund services such as fire and rescue services, bushfire brigades and the State Emergency Service.

For further information please refer to the Emergency Services Levy page on the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website.

For more information on City of Fremantle rates visit the Pay My Rates page on the City’s website.