The NSW pricing regulator has set the 2027-28 rate peg for each of the state’s 128 councils, with core rate pegs ranging from 3.7 per cent to 5.4 per cent.
In the Upper Hunter Electorate, Muswellbrook Shire Council has been set at 3.8 per cent and Upper Hunter Shire Council at 4 per cent. Singleton Council has a core rate peg of 3.7 per cent, which rises to 3.9 per cent after a 0.2 per cent population factor.
Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal Chair Anthony Wing said the rate peg is the maximum percentage by which a council can increase its general income, which is the money it raises from rates.
“The rate peg reflects changes in council operating costs, so that councils can maintain services for their communities,” Mr Wing said.
“It is now up to each council to decide whether to increase rates, which categories of rates will rise, and what support to provide to people in need of financial assistance.”
He said general income makes up about one-third of the income NSW councils receive on average, with the rest from grants, fees, developer contributions and other charges.
