OVER the coming months, ratepayers will receive information about a new and fairer system for Victorians to contribute to the work of the State’s fire services, Wyndham Council has claimed.
The Fire Services Property Levy is currently charged when householders buy house and contents insurance. The Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission has recommended this should change and councils should now collect the levy on behalf of the State Government.
From 1 July 2013 a Fire Services Property Levy charge will be shown on resident’s rates notice, and the amount they pay will be relative to the value of their property, rather than the amount of insurance they purchase.
Mayor Heather Marcus said up to 30 June residents will contribute towards the fire services levy through home and contents policies.
“While there may appear to be an overlap between your current insurance policy and the levy applied through your council rates and charges in 2013/14, this is not the case,” Cr Marcus said.
“With Wyndham City to collect the new levy from 1 July, households will see this charge on their rates notice and can expect a reduction in insurance premiums. All levy funds collected by council will be passed on in full to the State Government.”
Further details will be available before 1 July.
For more information on the Fire Services Property Levy, phone Wyndham Council’s Rating Services Unit on 9742 0777 or visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au
