Call for input into property rates law

PROPERTY owners are being invited by the City of Joburg to help shape the new 2017/18 property rates policy by taking part in the public consultation meetings starting from January 25.

City spokesman Kgamanyane Maphologela says the rates policy review should be driven by property owners so the city can take their inputs into account when drafting the final policy.

Residents are being encouraged to take an active part in the public participation meetings of the policy review, he said.

“The process of the rates policy review reflects the city’s Ten Point Priority of a responsive government. Since 2008 when the city first implemented the rates policy and rates by-laws, we have held annual meetings with residents,” says Maphologela.

Some example of residents’

Rates policy review should be driven by owners

input are the fact that the city reduced the business property ratio from 3.5 to 2.6; and increasing the number of residential property owners who have benefited in massive rebates in recent years.

“The city is always mindful of the economic conditions facing its customers and as a result, it takes a balanced approach when drafting the rates policy. We were guided by the Municipal Property Rates Act when determining the rates policy. The act requires the council to annually review and if necessary amend its rates policy.”

Residents are encouraged to lead the changes they want to see in the rates policy by taking part in the public consultation meetings in their areas, he added. The list of venues of the meetings can be obtained from www.joburg.org.za.