RATES and insurance premiums are set to change this year with the Fire Services Property Levy set to appear on rates notices.
The levy is currently charged when householders buy house and contents insurance.
The Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission has recommended this should change and the councils should now collect the levy on behalf of the State Government.
From 1July 2013 a Fire Services Property Levy charge will appear on rates notices.
The amount charged will be relative to the value of each property, rather than the amount of insurance purchased.
The State Government intends to indicate what the variable rate will be by 31 March, allowing you to calculate your own variable component.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay Angela Altair said ratepayers will be notified of the changes through local and metropolitan media, as well as brochures from the State Revenue Office.
“The levy will appear on the rates notice and will be added to the total amount due, which may cause some anxiety to ratepayers who may believe their rates have increased substantially,” said Cr Altair.
“The levy is a State Government charge and the State Government will reimburse the council for administration costs.
“Money raised under the fire levy will be funnelled through to the State Government and will not form part of the council’s finances or income.”
Up to 30 June 2013, residents will continue to contribute towards the Fire Services Property Levy through home and contents insurance policies.
