In New South Wales and Victoria, councils face the dual challenge of delivering essential services while operating within the constraints […]
Why NSW and Victorian Councils Should Embrace Service Charges Read Post »
In Queensland, councils can implement rates capping, a policy designed to limit the percentage increase in rates for individual properties.
Rates Capping in Queensland: Balancing Protection and Fairness Read Post »
Some people count down to midnight with fireworks, confetti, and a glass of bubbly. But for those of us working
Happy New (Financial) Year! 🎉 Read Post »
The Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) is a fixed rate charged equally to all rateable properties within a council’s jurisdiction.
Exploring the Pros and Cons of a Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) Read Post »
Local governments are responsible for more than just delivering services and maintaining infrastructure in the present—they also must ensure that
The concept of Separately Used or Inhabited Parts (SUIPs) of a property is an integral aspect of rating systems in
For decades, many New Zealand councils have based their rating systems on land value, where rates are calculated solely on
Moving from Land Value to Capital-Improved Value: The Case for Change Read Post »
Councils are facing a silent crisis. As funding pressures mount and service demands grow, the margin for error in financial
The Silent Crisis in Council Finance Read Post »
Picture this: your software is acting up. Maybe it’s refusing to save, maybe an error message has appeared that might
Customer Support Shouldn’t Feel Like a Horror Movie – But It Often Does Read Post »
As Anzac Day approaches, we pause to honour the brave men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army
Remembering the ANZACs This Anzac Day Read Post »
Targeted rates are an essential tool for councils, allowing specific groups of ratepayers to contribute directly to the costs of
The Pitfalls of Too Many Targeted Rates in New Zealand Councils Read Post »
In local government, every dollar is more than a number—it represents a road repaired, a family supported, or a park
When Every Dollar Counts: Why Councils Must Get Financial Planning Right Read Post »
Imagine this: a council accidentally sets a zero rate on residential properties for an entire financial year. Sounds like a
Rates Modelling Fiascos That Make You Go ‘What?!’ Read Post »
As a rates modelling specialist, I’ve seen it all—missing data, conflicting priorities, and even the occasional “we didn’t know that
Practitioner’s View: “Getting Rates Modelling Right: Insights from the Front Line” Read Post »
Within local government, sound financial management is not just about keeping the books balanced; it is about ensuring the sustainability
The Hidden Costs of Poor Planning and Inefficient Systems in Council Operations Read Post »
Rates capping, also known as rates pegging, has been a contentious policy in New South Wales and Victoria for years.
The Woes of Rates Capping: Lessons from NSW and Victoria Read Post »
Happy Friday! As our work revolves around local government, let’s celebrate the end of the week with some light-hearted and
Friday Fun: Local Government Legends Read Post »
In public administration, particularly within city councils and government bodies, decision-making is often a complex, high-stakes task involving budgeting, long-term
As the holiday season draws to a close, many of us are returning from the Christmas break with a renewed
Looking Ahead: Finding Optimism in the Year to Come Read Post »
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and express heartfelt gratitude to those
Reflecting on the Year with Gratitude Read Post »
In 1966, Abraham Maslow famously wrote, “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every
Breaking Free from the Spreadsheet Trap: Maslow’s Hammer in Local Government Finance Read Post »
