Politics & Council
19 January, 2026
Rate rise cap set for year
RATEPAYERS can expect a jump in their bill after the State Government set the 2025-2026 rate cap rise for councils at 2.75 per cent.
The December 23 announcement means councils wanting to impose a higher rise in rates will have to seek State Government approval.
Loddon and neighbouring councils have adopted the maximum increase each since the cap was introduced more than a decade ago.
Local Government Minister Nick Staikos said the rate cap for the next financial year aimed to protect Victorian ratepayers under the the Government’s Fair Go Rates System.
The rate rise cap increased was recommended by the Essential Services Commission.
Councils across Victoria have also received revised guidelines for their use of waste management charges to combat rising levies.
The new Minister’s Good Practice Guidelines for Service Rates and Charges are aimed towards fairer costing and better transparency when charging ratepayers for local kerbside waste and recycling collection. Waste service rates and charges to residents should not be higher than the costs incurred by council for providing kerbside collection, transport, storage, processing and disposal of waste and recycling.