Liverpool City Council is facing fierce public criticism and backlash from residents after approving a controversial 6% increase in rates to be implemented next month. The rate rise, approved at a council meeting held last week, has sparked severe outrage among residents towards council who received 155 submissions opposing the increase. Many residents cited economic pressures and a perceived misallocation of funds as reasons for their objections. Concerns were also raised over the council allocating $3.2 million to festival budgets, with residents arguing that these funds could be better spent on essential services like road maintenance, parks, and waste management.
To the disgust of ratepaters, also considered in the very same meeting was a PAY RISE of the Mayor and Councillors
Council Blames IPART
The council has been quick to deflect blame to IPART (Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal), which determines a “rate peg” annually—the maximum percentage increase councils can apply to their general income from rates. For 2025, councils like Liverpool were granted the option of increasing rates by up to 6%, but this is not a mandatory requirement. Councils can choose to implement a lower increase or none at all, depending on their financial strategies and priorities. Critics argue that Liverpool Council’s decision to adopt the full 6% increase reflects a lack of consideration for struggling households and small businesses already grappling with cost-of-living pressures.
While some acknowledge that a small increase might be warranted to maintain essential services, many argue that a 6% hike is completely unacceptable—especially given that the council is currently under investigation to determine whether it has been fulfilling its responsibilities to ratepayers. This decision has been labelled by many as a blatant “ratepayer robbery,” with frustrated residents accusing the council of ignoring community feedback and prioritising revenue over the welfare of its constituents.
To make matters worse, this decision comes at a time when Liverpool Council is already under investigation as part of a public inquiry. The inquiry, which has drawn significant public attention, will include public hearings commencing in Liverpool on 14 July. Many residents see the council’s insistence on increasing rates while under investigation as further evidence of its disregard for public opinion and poor governance. Critics argue that this move only underscores the council’s failure to consider ratepayers’ concerns and highlights a troubling lack of accountability.
Asset Sales and Neglect of Community Facilities
Adding to the frustration, Liverpool Council has recently faced scrutiny for attempting to sell community assets, including properties that serve vital public purposes. Residents have also raised concerns about the apparent neglect of existing community facilities, such as the CT Lewis Centre on Hill Road, Lurnea. The centre, which has historically served as a hub for community activities, has reportedly been left in a state of disrepair, raising questions about the council’s commitment to maintaining essential infrastructure. Critics argue that instead of prioritising rate hikes, the council should focus on better managing its current resources and fulfilling its obligations to maintain public assets.
What Can Residents Do?
Residents unhappy with the rate increase and council decisions have several options to voice their concerns:
- Petitions: Organising or signing petitions to demonstrate widespread community opposition.
- Attend Council Meetings: Residents can attend council meetings to raise their concerns directly with elected representatives.
- Contact Local Councillors: Email or call local councillors to express dissatisfaction and demand transparency and accountability.
- Attend a Public Forum: Councillor Peter Ristevski, who voted against the rate increase, is holding a public forum at Moorebank Community Centre on 2 July at 6 pm. Residents opposed to the rate rise are encouraged to attend and voice their concerns.
Sources:
